2 Trips to South America

I try to cover different areas of Linux world in my blog. That means I take Linux distributives based on different principles, approaches, roots. And also I try to cover distributives with different geography. Quick list of countries which I have "visited" with my reviews will include Australia, Cambodia, Russia, Latvia, United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany, Czech Republic and USA. I hope that's not full list. I have never travelled to Latin America so far. Is it time to do so?

Instant Messaging Options: An Ever-Growing List

Instant messaging has been popular since its invention, and the number of instant message (IM) systems are growing almost exponentially. Whether embedded in proprietary programs—usable on certain websites only—or via free-standing platforms, there is generally an IM system that suits almost everyone.

In alphabetical order, some of the most popular include:

1. AOL Instant Messenger: Not only can either two individuals chat 'live,' but several people can join as well. Photo- and file-sharing, voice chat and transcript archiving is up to the individual user. The latest version of AIM includes tie-ins to social networking. Linux version: on-line (AIM Express) only.
   
2. Digsby: A multiple-use instant messaging platform, Digsby combines IM, email, and social networking into one package. It allows multiple-platform sign-in with AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber. According to several tech reviews, however, Digsby allows advertising tracking. Linux version: not yet, but promised.
   
3. Facebook Chat: A proprietary system, you must be signed into your Facebook page to enable Facebook Chat. By clicking the online friends tool, you can start conversing with friends instantly. The chat tool can also inform you if you have new notifications to view. Linux version: available as embedded service or via Jabber-protocol.
   
4. Google Chat: While having a Google email or 'Gmail' address isn't necessary to use many of Google's toys, Google Chat works right from the Gmail inbox. You can communicate with anyone on your Gmail contact list and save the email trades. Be visible to anyone or sit quietly, waiting as invisible, Google Chat gives you the option. Linux version: available as embedded service or via Jabber-protocol.
5. iChat: iChat enables Apple or Mac users a free, easy-to-use instant messaging system. It offers audio chats for up to ten people at once, and video conferencing or chatting for up to four people at the same time. It allows screen-sharing among contacts. The iChat AV3 version can connect directly with Google Talk and indirectly with Windows Live Messenger, Facebook Chat, and Yahoo! Messenger. Linux version: no.
   
6. ICQ: The oldest of the instant messaging systems, the program is named after the ham operators' 'I Seek You' call, asking for a call-back from anyone or a particular call sign. Linux version: available as on-line service or via multiple 3rd party clients.
7. Meebo: A relative newcomer to the IM arena, Meebo enables any of three IM systems sign-ins or use it among the Meebo chat rooms. The drawback to Meebo is that you cannot use more than one IM sign-in at a time. For that option, see Trillion, below. Linux version: not applicable, this is cloud service.
   
8. Nimbuzz: Instant chat, texting and free calls for the mobile phone is the Nimbuzz claim to fame. The program also allows the fairly standard sending of photos, videos, and files. Linux version: as on-line service only.
   
9. Pidgin: Another multi-IM platform program, Pidgin integrates Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, and others, enabling conversations with multiple contact lists from one condensed window. The usual file, photo and video sharing is still possible. Linux version: yes, this is one of the most popular IMs for Linux.
   
10. Skype: Skype is best known for its voice or phone calling capabilities. Call another Skype user via the system for free or call a land line anywhere in the world for a fee. Written chats are still common, though users often find the one-to-one chats are more convenient via voice communication. Linux version: yes.
    
11. Trillion: The newly revamped, multiple-platform program offers 250 new functions and massive adaptability. Sign into several IM contact lists via this program, and the fun continues to build. Other multiple-platforms may outshine this updated program in limited areas, but none can beat Trillion for the adaptability and functionality. Linux version: as on-line service only.
    
12. Windows Live Messenger: Formerly MSN Messenger, this Microsoft messaging program allows typed chats, video and voice chats via the program without long-distance charges. Like many IM programs, you can automatically save chat transcripts for rereading or for business purposes. Photo and file sharing is common, and it allows select addition or random addition to your contact list. Linux version: directly not supported, although protocol available via various 3rd party messengers.
    
13. Yahoo! Messenger: This instant messaging system either stands alone or allows you to chat with Yahoo! Contacts via Windows Live Messenger, above. Voice calls are tolled, however, but you can call an IM contact, a computer or a land line if you wish. Video chats and online radio can enhance the instant messaging experience. Linux version: yes.

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About the Author

JC Ryan is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them search for online degrees that can help them reach their goals.

Alternative DNS services: pro and contra

Internet is impossible to imagine without DNS.

DNS stands for Domain Name System. This is a service which translates domain names (like linuxblog.darkduck.com) into IP address (like 74.125.53.121). Browser then connects to the host using IP address.
In other words, Internet would look very much different without DNS. Can you imagine typing IP address into address bar of your browser?
Usually DNS service is part of package which your Internet provider gives you. May be you even do not know how it works. Another service called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) takes care about this.
The issue which your Internet provider may have is that their DNS servers may be down for whatever reasons. Technical glitch, software or hardware upgrade, whatever else. If your provider's DNS servers are down, you cannot use domain names to get access to Internet sites.
Is there any alternatives to your provider's DNS service? Yes!

CTK Arch: Fast and Furious

When reviewing different distributions, I always try to do this in Live mode, being it Live CD, Live DVD or Live USB. There are some reasons for this.

1. First of all, Live version can show you hardware support issues which you anyway face in normal install.
2. Then, Live versions is safe for data on Hard disk. You don't risk to lose data because of bad installer.
3. And last but not least, installation itself is not the quickest process, and basically is waste of time if I am not going to use the system again.

You may notice that most of the systems I have tried so far are either pillars of Linux world (Ubuntu, Debian, Mandriva, Fedora etc) or derivatives of Ubuntu or Debian. There is no Live version of such pillars as Slackware or Arch Linux.
Saying that I still want to mention that my first ever review was about Slackware-based Live system: SLAX. It means that there are some Live derivatives of Slackware and Arch Linux. But their number is tiny compared to army of Ubuntu/Debian based derivatives.

That's why I was very interested when I first heard about Live operating system based on Arch Linux. Its name is CTK Arch. Image of version 0.7 of this OS weights less than 600Mb. I downloaded it and then used dd command to copy iso file to USB stick, like it is recommended on official howto page.
Everything is ready. Reboot. Choose to boot from USB. Let's go!

4 Terribly Easy Steps To Move Away From Unity In Ubuntu 11.04

Unity is default desktop environment in recently released Linux system Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal. It is newly developed product from Canonical.
Unity is very controversial product. There are as much people who love it as people who hate it. Nobody stays aside. You love it or hate it (Marmite).

Unity desktop

Lots of people are determined to abandon Ubuntu 11.04 in favour of other operating systems only because they hate Unity.
But do you know that Ubuntu 11.04 comes with 2 (two!) desktop environments? It also includes GNOME. To be precise, GNOME 2.32.1.
Let me show you how to easy switch from Unity to GNOME.

Fighting with Ubuntu 11.04 (Unity)

Ubuntu 11.04 is one of the most expected releases this year. Yes, there were lots of pre-release discussions, reviews, controversy and so on. Finally, it was released.
As you may know, my laptop is quadro-boot. One of the systems I had there was Ubuntu 10.10, which was upgraded from 10.04.
Of course, such an event like Ubuntu 11.04 release could not be bypassed by me. This time I decided to go through fresh install route and replace my Ubuntu 10.10 with Ubuntu 11.04 with Unity desktop. Before going for final installation, I ran it in Live mode from Live USB. First impression was positive, so decision was made to go on.

5 things I like in Ubuntu 11.04 (Unity) and 10 things which I don't

Here we are! Long awaited and much discussed version of Ubuntu is here. It is Ubuntu 11.04.
This version was long awaited because of one 2 main reasons:
1) As of 11.04 Canonical stopped free distribution of CDs with Ubuntu via partner Shipit. It's a pity, because that was a way how I got my first ever Ubuntu CD.
2) Most important, Canonical decided to depart from GNOME as default desktop environment for Ubuntu, and put Unity desktop there.
From my perspective, final release of Ubuntu 11.04 with Unity is second (in terms of timing) most important release this year after GNOME 3 release. Many can argue that other releases happened which are also important: LibreOffice, Open SuSE 11.4 etc. But no one of them affects so many users as GNOME 3 and Unity.
My first ever Ubuntu was 10.04 LTS installed from Shipit's CDs. Then I made an upgrade to 10.10. This time I decided to go for fresh install and downloaded whole iso image myself. It was "burnt" into USB stick using Ubuntu's Startup Disk Creator tool. For the clear experiment(s), persistence was not requested.
As long as I have Live USB, why not run Ubuntu 11.04 in Live mode? Let's do it!
USB stick is in the port. Reboot. Choose to boot from USB. Let's go!