Welcome!

Welcome to my little corner of the Internet. Here, you’ll find my opinions of various topics in the open source community, Linux, and Ubuntu. I also offer consulting services in southeastern Wisconsin and Chicago.

Recent Posts

Ubuntu 11.04 / Unity Review

As most of you are aware, Ubuntu is switching to the Unity desktop interface for Ubuntu 11.04.   Although I am a fan of the KDE desktop, I felt that it was necessary to at least give Unity a shot, and see how it’s turning out. Continue reading

Posted in Ubuntu | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Kubuntu 11.04 (Beta 1) Review

As I’ve mentioned before, I prefer KDE to GNOME, so I use Kubuntu on my primary computer (a laptop).  I normally test releases of Kubuntu well before they’re actually released, in order to help the community in finding bugs – it’s a good way for someone who is experienced with Linux to help out, without having to dive into someone else’s code, worry about packaging, and other annoying stuff like that.  So, last week, I did a clean install of Kubuntu 11.04 Beta 1.  Continue reading

Posted in Ubuntu | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

KeePassX Password Manager

After having my Twitter account compromised, I promised to tell you all about some password management programs.  I have tried out a few, and found one that stands above the rest – KeePassX. Continue reading

Posted in Ubuntu | 1 Comment

Twitter Direct Message Spam Attack

It seems that my Twitter account was somehow breached and used to send spam to my followers via direct message, and it appears that I am not alone. It’s kind of embarrassing for someone who has as much information security training and knowledge to get their Twitter account hacked, but it happens even to the best of us.

Continue reading

Posted in Ubuntu | 3 Comments

Ubuntu: Lose the top panel!

Sorry, Ubuntu, but the top panel just has to go. Why? Simple. It confuses new users, especially those switching from Windows. Move everything to bottom panel, where people are used to it, and put everything into one menu. You’ll find that new users are able to find things easier, and thus, it makes for a better experience for the new user. I know, I know, Ubuntu is not Windows. But if things are radically different in Ubuntu, users are just going to be lost and confused. And if they can’t find what they’re looking for, they’re not going to continue to use Ubuntu. Advanced users who like the panel at the top will be able to easily put it back, so you’re not hurting anyone by getting rid of it.

Posted in Ubuntu | Tagged | 4 Comments