The best BeOS experience in the Linux world

ZevenOS debuted its 1.1 release today and they announced that they have the best BeOS experience in the Linux world.  Almost immediately I started getting e-mails where people declared this comment was directed towards PC/OS and I thought I would comment on this.  First, we are not here to provide you with the best BeOS experience.  We are here to provide you with the best PC/OS experience.  We are not here to duplicate the work of Be Inc.  To be honest we cant duplicate the BeOS.  There are enough structural differences between BeOS and Linux that its near impossible to do.  Sure we can look like it, we can act like it and we at PC/OS share alot of the same focuses with the BeOS.  We focus on usability, we focus on content creation and we focus on performance.  It takes a lot more than a theme to be the BeOS.  Do I think Lars directed the comments towards us at PC/OpenSystems?  I dont know and I could care less.  I'm not here to fight wars with everyone I am here to provide a product to my users that they can A) use and B) like it enough that they tell their friends.  So once again we will always strive to bring you the best PC/OS experience.

How do we intend to do that?  The world is shifting towards 64 bit and we will shift right along with it.  We will provide you with the software and tools with which to make that transition.  Will it be rushed?  No.  64 bit still has a ways to go to be on par with the 32 bit world.  The processor manufacturers knew this and built 32 bit compatibility into the 64 bit processors.  Will we ever stop making a 32 bit version?  Of course but we will do that when the majority of our users have made the transition, they are happy with the transition and everything works as its supposed to but for now 32 bit is still on the roadmap and will continue to be.  We will continue to enhance the server product.  The server products go hand in hand with the client systems.  The world is moving towards hosted software.  We are working to bring you that choice in server and in client.  PC/OS WebStation 1.0 is just the start it is not the finish line.  We will also continue to hack the user interface to simplify that for our users.  The user interface is the first element users see when they turn on their systems so it only makes sense to simplify that element.  PC/OS 10 has a new interface design, check out the rough draft in the forums.  

We will continue to cooperate yet compete with some and we will develop partnerships with others.  We will show respect and dignity to those that came before us and we will show respect and dignity to those that come after us.  One good point that people seem to forget is this.  The Linux world, the Microsoft world and the UNIX world is one great idea away from becoming obsolete.  This is in regards to Windows, AIX, Solaris, HP/UX, PC/OS, Ubuntu, Red Hat, Novell, Gentoo, ZevenOS, Oracle and includes every distribution and Operating System in the world. Until that day though, we will strive to bring you only the best experience and this will not be the best BeOS experience in the Linux world.

Our mission statement says it all: "Simplified Computing."  We will continue to pursue that focus and it will be in all of our products.  Not just the software but the hardware as well.

PC/OS 2009v2 released

Today, Thursday February 26 2009 we are happy to announce the general availability of PC/OS 2009v2. The new release also introduces the new PC/OS WebStation 1.0. PC/OS OpenDesktop 2009v2 and PC/OS OpenWorkstation 2009v2 have been fully tested and ready for broad consumer adoption.

Some of the changes include a slightly tweaked user interface and updated packages and all important security updates applied. Some of the updated packages are as follows.

OpenDesktop 2009v2 which is targeted towards consumers and home users:

Opera 9.63
Boot Manager
Exaile
GTKPod
PyNeighborhood
TrueCrypt 6.0a
Skype 2.0
VLC 0.9.8
Osmo
ePDFviewer
Leafpad

OpenWorkstation 2009v2 which is targeted towards developers, content creators and IT professionals:

GNOME desktop environment, LiveDVD and post install boots to XFCE.
Opera 9.63
OpenOffice.org 3.0
MingW
Eclipse
SystemTap
Boot Manager
QT Designer
Exaile
GTK Pod
VLC 0.9.8
Wammu, Mobile Phone Manager
Truecrypt 6.0a
Osmo
ePDFviewer
Fryre
Xaos
Leafpad
gSmartControl

As always in a week or so we will have a feature pak released with some additional software packages. With this release we also introduce PC/OS WebStation 1.0. PC/OS WebStation 1.0 is a web oriented distribution. It has client side applications where it makes sense, multimedia playback, graphics editing but things like office, software, storage, IM are all web based.

PC/OS OpenDesktop and WebStation are available now from the download site.


PC/OS OpenWorkstation 2009v2 + multimedia extensions is available commercially only from On-Disk.com for $14.99. After March 1st it goes up to $29.99.

Cubas Nova Linux

I have fielded many inquiries into Cubas Nova Linux distribution.  So I figured I would write a blog post about it.

Basically with Nova Im taking a wait and see approach.  Many hurdles have to be overcome for Nova to be successful.  The most important of those hurdles will be on the part of the Gentoo project.  Can they incorporate those changes that the Cuban government makes back into the main project.  How much pressure is the US government going to put on Daniel and team. 

One of the pitfalls for Cuba is the support mechanism.  Will Nova become just a Gentoo fork with Cuba having to support itself?

On a personal note we were this || close to making Gentoo the base for PC/OS, in fact two of the original prototypes for OS/4 were Gentoo based, we chose Ubuntu for purely technical reasons.  

Back to Nova.  Once again, I am taking a wait to see approach and I do hope its very successful for them.

Starting PC/OS 10.0

Along with PC/OS Open64 we are also already starting development for PC/OS 10.0.  PC/OS 10.0 will be a non-lts release and will be available in 3 flavors, OpenWorkstation, OpenDesktop and WebStation.  This release will be based on Ubuntu 9.10 with all the same features as our early releases.  Will there be an 64 bit release?  Possibly depending on how much time I have to work on it.

PC/OS OpenCore Asterik specific package

One of the regular deployments of OpenCore that I have had to assist with is the deployment of Asterik, a software based PBX system.  I have decided to make the packages available as our first OpenCore extension packs. This is specific for OpenCore deployments and have been tested against OpenCore.  Will it work for OpenServer System?  Possibly.  This package will be available Monday, March 23rd 2009.

PC/OS OpenWorkstation digital download

We at PC/OpenSystems LLC are pleased to announce that on the 26th when Web Station and OpenDesktop are available digital download service for PC/OS OpenWorkstation will be available. This will be the main ISO only. To get the multimedia pack you must buy from on-disk. To qualify initially and to get your password to the non-public download a project donation of $15.00 or more must be made. On March 12, 2009 you must donate $20.00 or more. Just use the donate button and a receipt with your user name and password will be made.

PC/OS Custom Image and PC/OpenCube

We will be launching two additional services to help with delivery of PC/OS. PC/OS Custom Image and PC/OpenCube. PC/OS Custom Image is a software build service. Customers can send us copies of software they want installed on PC/OS and we will create custom ISO images. These images will be based on OpenWorkstation or OpenDesktop. The service will also be available for scenarios of OpenCore and OpenServer System. If you dont want to go through the expense of having your staff do custom images we will do it for one flat rate. There are a few caveats. If you have any proprietary software applications you must provide proof of licensing. If you do not provide proof of licensing that specific application will not be installed into the image. Pricing is still being decided but so far we have come up with the following pricing.

$150.00 per desktop image. If you want an image for developers, its $150.00 if you want an image for the business unit for example that relies on a totally separate set of applications its $150.00 your total would be $300.00. These images allow you to remove applications as well.

$180.00 per server or open core image. These are for server oriented tasks and once again if you want a server build for web servers, $180.00 if you want a server image for database its $180.00 so your cost would be $320.00.

These prices are not set in stone and may increase. We are trialing this out now and depending on complexity and time we will adjust these according to that. This service will launch publicly in mid March.

They say the best kept secret is one only you know, well one secret I will let out now is that I do custom PC builds. We will formally call these PC/OpenCube and PC/OpenBriq. The OpenCube is a PC based on the Shuttle case design, they will come with a 64 bit processor but not to worry if you have 32 bit applications that you rely on you can install PC/OS 32 bit and it will run accordingly. The PC/OpenBriq is a server, also based on the smaller Shuttle case design and designed for, well server usage. This will allow customers to know that any system they buy will work with PC/OS and we will also test Ubuntu, Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux although PC/OS will be the only OS to ship on these systems. On the PowerPC systems I will be preinstalling Yellowdog Linux. I know what you are asking, PowerPC? yes, PowerPC. There are a lot of usage scenarios for the PowerPC processor and there is an OpenCube being used right now that is PowerPC based. While not official yet, I will work with Fixstars and see if we cant come to a support agreement for these systems. All these systems will be built as ordered. We will provide a parts list and you choose the components that you want. The bare bones basic system comes out to about $553.62 cents that includes shipping, tack on $200.00 for labor and you will have a machine thats well tested and can stand the test of time. This service will launch hopefully begining May 1st but no later than July 1st. right now we are designing the site and prepping the price lists. Here are a couple of questions I have had from the 3 customers that use PC/OpenCube now so this will clarify any questions you may have.

1) Will we preinstall Windows?

A) No, we are testing the systems with Windows 7 to make sure that you can install Windows should you want to.

2) Will these systems be Hackintosh compatible?

A) We dont know. I personally do not like breaking other companies EULA's and will not assist you in doing so. If you send your system in for service and you have modded it to run Mac OS X leopard, we will delete the drive and reinstall PC/OS. Unlike some other companies I don't want Apples lawyers attentions. If Psystar wins their case and the judge rules Apples EULA invalid thats a different story but something tells me that wont happen.

3. ) Will you install Windows for customers.

A) Yes, the customer will have to provide the install media and license keys. We will not install pirated versions of Windows so don't ask. if you send us a system for service and you have a pirated version of Windows XP/Vista or 7 we will wipe the drive.

4) Will you preinstall AmigaOS or MorphOS on the PowerPC version?

A) AmigaOS no, MorphOS at the customers request but again they must provide the media. I have no desire to deal with Amiga Inc. the PowerPC box has the SAM board so it will boot and install both, but you have to deal with the Amiga/Hyperion mess in regards to AmigaOS.

5) How will these systems differ from standard off the shelf hardware?

A) Well, we are pushing for a 5 year hardware refresh which is better than the 3 year most hardware manufacturers force on users. When you hit the refresh time instead of having to buy a brand new system we will offer upgrade kits and will upgrade the system for you for a labor fee. Secondly, we beat up the computer. Unlike other hardware manufacturers who test by turning on the PC for 15 minutes, we will have a 3 day testing period, hardware will be stressed and any faulty parts will be replaced so you have the peace of mind that this hardware purchase is of the upmost quality and will perform as you would expect.

6) How will we pay for the systems?

A) Credit Card or PayPal. There will be no credit lines extended yet, and components will have a warranty. In the case of shipping you pay the shipping, we don't.

So there you have it, these services will extend the reach of PC/OS and will benefit our users, our partners, and our company. We will, as always, work on these initiatives hard. Also with the systems you get 2 free upgrades of OpenWorkstation. So stay tuned and when these systems become available you will be the first to know.

PC/OS Roadmap for 2009

Well guys the new year is off to a start and with that comes the need to do the roadmap for PC/OS.  Last year on our roadmap we made several predictions.  All but 2 came to pass.  DesktopWorkstation never came to be, and the E17 release never came.  For DesktopWorkstation just licensing couldnt be agreed upon and reniging on the part of some commercial entities happened.  The E17 maintainer never got back to me so that fell through as well.  So what do we have planned for 2009?  Some new products will be released and PC/OS will continue to get updated.

February 26th 2009 -- PC/OS OpenDesktop 2009v2 and PC/OS WebStation will be released.  These are the free downloads for PC/OS.

March 15th 2009 -- PC/OpenSuite for Windows will be released.  This brings many popular open source applications for the Windows platform and brings them together in one pack.  This will also be a retail product.

March 25th 2009 -- PC/OS OpenServer System 8.4 will be released.  This will be a bug fix release as well as add some server role functionality to PC/OS Server.

June 15th 2009 -- PC/OS Open64 Workstation 2009 and OpenServer System 2009 will be released .  This brings PC/OS to 64 bit computing.

September 10th 2009 PC/OS 2009v3.  This will merely be a bug release and fix for the PC/OS 2009 series and users will just have updates and will not have to reimage their systems.  No new functionality will be added.

November 10th 2009 PC/OS 10 will be released.  This will be the non-lts release of PC/OS based upon Ubuntu 9.04 and will be the first non-LTS release.  A 64 bit release is contingent on the time I have to work on PC/OS at that time..

December 12th 2009 PC/OS OpenServer System 8.5 -- Also a bug release, no new functionality will be added just bug fixes.  Users will not have to reimage their systems.

January 5th 2010 PC/OS 10.1 will be released.

PC/OS OpenWorkstation 2009v2 Released

Today, February 12th 2009 we are pleased to announce the availability of PC/OS OpenWorkstation 2009v2 from On-Disk.com now shipping.  With this release brings many enhancements and updates for PC/OS OpenWorkstation 2009v2.

The debut of the full GNOME desktop. GNOME is a very popular desktop among businesses and many of them dont want to retrain their users on the PC/OS desktop, so what we say is this: If you dont want to switch, you dont have too. The GNOME desktop in PC/OS is the full release. If you use GNOME, you now have it and if you want to retrain your users on PC/OS desktop, by all means do so. We put a lot of work into it and it does boot into the default PC/OS desktop upon startup.

Core Update. The kernel and all other utilities correspond to Ubuntu 8.04.2 with all updates, bug fixes, new hardware drivers etc.

Developer tools updates. The developers tools have been enhanced by two add-ons. Systemtap allows you to test your applications for memory leaks and other performance debilitating problems without you, the developer, having to blind guess and rebuild your packages repeatedly. MingW is also installed by default. We know that you will use Windows, you will want to deploy your applications on Windows so with MingW you can cross compile your applications on PC/OS to target the Windows platform.

Additional changes. Now for the default browser we use the fast, award winning Opera browser.  All advanced GUI's work with Opera and all Flash content plays on Opera, Libxine still handles all the WMA, WMV, and Quicktime content. Opera mail is included with Opera but lets say you have Evolution data to be brought over, well bring it over, Evolution is also included by default. Boot Manager allows you turn on and off services for system boot, gSmartControl tells you the status of your hard drives so now if you have a failing drive PC/OS can warn you about it. PPPoE is also included by default as well for ADSL connections. Seahorse for passwords and encryption keys has been updated and Truecrypt for data encryption has been updated to the newest release.

Multimedia Pack. This brings in functionality that is equal to what you will find in UbuntuStudio or 64Studio. With this we also bring in the realtime kernel, be warned all proprietary drivers will have to be reinitialized and any ndiswrapper wireless drivers will have to be reinstalled. We have everything from music production, to graphic design to 3D modeling. If you deal with the creative arts PC/OS OpenWorkstation Multimedia Pack has you covered. 

With this release we bring PC/OS to the level where it can be deployed in any environment, home or business, software developers and content creators.  We bring the geeks and the average users enough toys to play with and encapsulate all that within a drop dead gorgeous GUI that defines simplified computing.

PC/OS OpenWorkstation 2009v2 can be ordered here with an introductory price of $14.99 On March 1st 2009 the price will go up to $24.99 so grab your copy today.

PC/OS OpenDesktop and PC/OS WebStation will be released for free download on February 26th 2009 from the PC/OS website

LTS releases vs non LTS releases

LTS releases will always be a major fixture with PC/OS, but one thing we have had is the request to do non-lts releases.  For this we have come up with a numbering scheme.  LTS releases will have the numeric year, the non-lts releases will have a numerical value.  The release of PC/OS for December will be PC/OS 10.0, the next LTS release will be in 2010 and it will be named, PC/OS 2010.

TrueCrypt for data encryption

I have included TrueCrypt in PC/OS since release 2008 and its a very good tool.  A basic breakdown is that you can create virtual containers or you can encrypt an entire device.  Well I have had several experiences with the Virtual Containers so I decided to do a spare USB key that I had as well as a 10 gig USB external drive that I had for data use.

Setting up the volumes was not hard, you just had to click on Create Volume and click on create a volume within a partition and device select your device and continue.  Under PC/OS you need to know the device name /dev/sd* and you can encrypt the entire device.

Performance in encrypting is great, no slowdowns and even though its connected through USB its still pretty fast.  I noticed no significant slowdowns regarding file transfer either.  

I have never tried encrypting a drive and trying to install PC/OS on that drive.  Im assuming it would work equally well but I just dont have the spare drives with which to test.

Overall, for data encryption TrueCrypt is a great tool and a worthy edition to any Linux distribution.

PC/OS OpenWorkstation 2009 DVD ISO removed

PC/OS OpenWorkstation 2009 DVD ISO has been removed from the FTP and Torrent servers.  We will no longer provide access to those ISO's as they are being moved up to retail status.  OpenDesktop and the future WebStation will remain free downloads.  If you want OpenWorkstation you can purchase it from on-disk.com

Taking pre-orders for PC/OS 2009v2

We are now taking pre-orders of PC/OS 2009v2 on on-disk.com. The 14.99 price covers the two set ISO files. Remember the price of 14.99 is only until March 1st 2009 when it goes up to $24.99.

So what comes with PC/OS OpenWorkstation 2009v2?  Here is a list of what you can expect.

The debut of the full GNOME desktop.  GNOME is a very popular desktop among businesses and many of them dont want to retrain their users on the PC/OS desktop, so what we say is this:  If you dont want to switch, you dont have too.  The GNOME desktop in PC/OS is the full release.  If you use GNOME, you now have it and if you want to retrain your users on PC/OS desktop, by all means do so.  We put a lot of work into it and it does boot into the default PC/OS desktop upon startup.

Core Update.  The kernel and all other utilities correspond to Ubuntu 8.04.2 with all updates, bug fixes, new hardware drivers etc.

Developer tools updates.  The developers tools have been enhanced by two editions.  Systemtap allows you to test your applications for memory leaks and other performance debilitating problems without you, the developer having to blind guess and rebuild your packages repeatedly.  MingW is also installed by default.  We know that you will use Windows, you will want to deploy your applications on Windows so with MingW you can cross compile your applications on PC/OS to target the Windows platform.

Additional changes.  Now for the default browser we use the fast, award winning Opera browser.  So I know what you are asking, didnt we try this one time with Flock?  Well now, we can redistribute Opera with no hinderance.  All advanced GUI's work with Opera and all Flash content plays on Opera, Libxine still handles all those pesky WMA, WMV, and Quicktime content. Opera mail is included with Opera but lets say you have Evolution data to be brought over, well bring it over, Evolution is also included by default.  Boot Manager allows you turn on and off services for system boot, gSmartControl tells you the status of your hard drives so now if you have a failing drive PC/OS can warn you about it.  PPPoE is also included by default as well for ADSL connections.  Seahorse for passwords and encryption keys has been updated and Truecrypt for data encryption has been updated to the newest release.

Multimedia Pack.  This brings in functionality that stands up to UbuntuStudio or 64Studio.  With this we also bring in the realtime kernel, be warned all proprietary drivers will have to be reinitialized and any ndiswrapper wireless drivers will have to be reinstalled.  We have everything from music production, to graphic design to 3D modeling.  If you deal with the creative arts PC/OS OpenWorkstation Multimedia Pack has you covered. 

With this release we bring PC/OS to the level where it can be deployed in any environment, home or business, science or mechanics (with some additional software at the discretion of the user) we bring the geeks and the average users enough toys to play with and encapsulate all that within a drop dead gorgeous GUI that defines simplified computing.

PC/OpenSuite for Windows

In mid March we will launch what we call PC/OpenSuite for Windows.  This suite contains Windows alternatives to proprietary products.  One of the things we have noticed is that Open Source software for Windows is sometimes hard to find and manage.  What we will do is offer convenience for our users by having it all in one location.  We will have sections for desktop and server.

This will bring up our product offerings so that we have something for everyone.  So will we do PC/OpenSuite for Mac?  Lets see how Windows does first.

PC/OS on the Playstation 3

We have always played with hardware and we do have a booting PC/OS on the Playstation 3.  Will it ever be productized or released?  We are currently doing our homework on what distros are available and as with PowerStation seeing if there is something PC/OS can bring to the table.  Right now, Yellowdog Linux appears to be the best solution.  So right now we are evaluating, researching and seeing how PC/OS can fit into that scenario.

Amiga OS 4.1 released

Since we no longer provide a PowerPC distribution, I keep up with released PowerPC OS's.  Well Hyperion has spit in the eye of Amiga Inc. and has released AmigaOS 4.1 for the Pegasus II.  More information can be found here

Psystar no longer carrying PC/OS

Unfortunately, and without my knowledge (I was told by a client who went to order some machines) it appears that Psystar has quit shipping PC/OS OpenWorkstation which is a shame.  They had it at no cost and they were shipped updated releases when releases were available and I even shipped them releases with maintenance packs integrated.  So while disappointing, its their business to do with as they please.  I wish Psystar the best of luck with their future product offerings.  if you are interested in shipping PC/OS with your hardware do let us know.  We here at PC/OpenSystems LLC will be glad to help you in anyway.  We will still produce the OEM ISO's for anyone who may be interested.

We are still shipping OpenWorkstation on the 12th at the discounted rate through on-disk.com.  So once again, Psystar, no longer shipping PC/OS OpenWorkstation.  

new addition to PC/OS 2009v2

PC/OS 2009v2 has a new Window decoration, NewBeColor.  This will pick up your GTK colors of any theme that you use.  Thank you to gtfunding from the forums for this them.  This and his extremely popular, among the development team anyway, theme Injection Molded will be included in PC/OS 2009v2.  I wish to thank gtfunding for his contributions to PC/OS 2009v2.

Dissolving RJD LLC and Silicon Systems Research LLC

As of today I will no longer be operating my consulting or software development businesses under RJD LLC or Silicon Systems Research LLC respectively.  We will now be operating under PC/OpenSystems LLC for both.  This will not reflect any structural change and it will not disrupt any services for either service.

Multimedia Pack for PC/OS 2009v2 created

The mutimedia pack has been created for the on-disk crowd and we are right now testing it.  This package corresponds with Ubuntu studio so everything in UbuntuStudio is included with PC/OS 2009v2 multimedia pack, we have a much larger codec support.  We are looking into Feature Pack and what to include in that.

Clearing up some confusions about PC/OS 2009v2

There has been a lot of confusion regarding PC/OS 2009v2.  So Im here now to clear it up.  So here it is.

GNOME will replace XFCE:  False, PC/OS will always retain XFCE as the DEFAULT.  The retail release of PC/OS is the only release to utilize GNOME as an option.  This is for customers who dont want to retrain from GNOME and who dont want to replace GNOME.  OpenWorkstation though still boots into XFCE as the default.

PC/OS 2009v2 will remove multimedia codecs from the system:  False, PC/OS will retain all support for multimedia codecs and playback.  This icludes Flash, WMV, mov, WMA etc. etc.  The only multimedia functionality being removed from OpenWorkstation is the advanced multimedia creation tools similar to PC/OS 2009.  Basically this extra package brings the capabilities up to similar functionality as Ubuntu Studio.

PC/OS 2009v2 ends the CD line:  False, this was the plan but speaking to customers and partners this will not be feasible.  PC/OS OpenDesktop will retain the sub 700mb size.

PC/OS OpenWorkstation is the one recieving the most changes and that will affect the most users.

PC/OS OpenServer 8.4L and Open64

PC/OS OpenServer 8.4L will have many improvements involved as well.  It will be more geared towards more applications and deployment roles.  OpenServer 8.4 will also contain the new Remastersys and all of its improvements.  This will be the last incremental release after this release maintenance packs will be issued for PC/OS OpenServer 8.4 until the next LTS.  

Feedback was taken from OpenServer customers and the new roles are based on that feedback.  Open64 will be based on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS until such time that Open64 Workstation 10.1 wich will be based on possibly Jaunty, once again feedback will be taken and the release will be well tested as always.