Rodger Donaldson writes "Further proof that Linux is edging its way into the mainstream, this time of the Unix community: I've just picked up the program for this year's UniForum NZ. The President's note mentions "LINUX going big time". Amongst the events are three forums on Linux's success in the mainstream commercial marketplace, including a discussion on mission-critical systems. There is also a full-day, multi disctribution hands-on install lab.".

Well, even though Alan Cox apparently doesn't think that Slashdot is as cool as freshmeat *grin*, it still is really cool that he's been hired to work at RedHat in a paid position developing (surprise!) Linux Stuff. Good move for all involved.

C|Net is running a review of "alternative" operating systems for the Intel platform. The review talks about the various political and technical merits of Linux, OS/2, FreeBSD, BeOS, and New Deal Office 98. The article is very fair, and presents a suprisingly well supported discussion of benefits and disadvantages of the operating systems. Worth a read.

tile wrote in to inform us that Linux 2.1.91 has made it's appearance on the usual places. Download, compile, reboot, repeat. LinuxHQ doesn't have the details yet, but I'm sure it will rsn.

The Laughing Fool wrote in to tell us that the GGI project is currently considering moving to BSD as the primary platform. (GGI is a fast library of functions for video and sound. Sorta like DirectX) TLF sent in this link where he talks about this. There are a lot of hard feelings here, and a lot of bruised egos. And there is some cool ideas that need a home. No matter what happens, I hope both BSD and Linux get GGI.

Kwon Soon Son wrote in to tell us that Peter Norton (of Utilities fame. Who amongst us hasn't logged many hours with them?) has written a book about Linux. And speaking of books (fun to plug the rewrite :) Slashdot will be doing nerd book reviews in the next few days, with links to Amazon.com, that you can buy books and we get some cash. Several cool books in the first batch too... if anyone has ideas of books worth reviewing that Linux users would dig, they should email Hemos with them.

Nicholas Murphy wrote in to tell us that Builder.com's big Linux experiment has recieved something of an update. Dan talks about his preconceptions with Linux, and even mentions Slashdot! Interesting stuff and I hope he's successful.

So Digital Domain was mentioned, and we all know that Linux helped render tons of the stuff that won the award. Now I'm not saying that Titanic won because Linux rendered it, I mean, James Cameron did direct it so he shares some of the credit *grin*. Anyway, back to coding the rewrite...

Linux scored a few more points at InfoWorld as evidenced by this story sent in by David Cloud. RedHat won the Product of the Year for web site browsers, outnumber OS/2 and *ahem* Office 97 Pro. On the net more so then in print, Linux is taking the world by storm.

Sine Sculptor wrote in to tell us about a cool windows music composition program called Buzz. Sine raves about the program, and although my music skills consist of humming loudly off key along with Beatles albums, I would love to see a Linux port. Interestingly enough, apparently the author is willing to open up the source to the freeware program if someone wants to make a stab at a linux port. Anyone up to the challange?

Cymen Vig wrote in to tell us that Buzz Builder is having a couple of guys try to run Linux to prove that it's a valid alternative to MS for normal user tasks like doc sharing, networking etc. Hope they are successful. I know that millions of users out there have already discovered that Linux is a valid alternative, nice to have a few more try it, and get some serious publicity doing it.

I just got confirmation from Bruce Perens that he is indeed resigning from his position at the head of the Debian. He states says "My mission is to bring free software to the masses. Unfortunately, that's not where Debian's developers want to go - they are more into making a great system for other hackers like them. There's nothing wrong with that, but the two mission statements don't overlap at all." Very true Bruce. Both visions are important, and should be pursued.

Can it be? Another kernel is available at the Usual Places. Its a 264k patch so I'm sure lots of neat stuff has been fixed, and lots of equally neat stuff has been broken *grin*. Anyone have word on a feature freeze for 2.2? Thanks to Dave Wiedenheft who sent this in first.

Jon Read wrote in to tell us that Ed Bailey from Red Hat is porting the Linux Kernel to t the CL-PS7110 chip (Psion Series 5 and Geofox One palmtops use 'em) check out more at RedHat. Very excellent. Ya know the first company that makes a wireless Linux palmtop will make some money. 900mhz ethernet or so?

James Carter wrote in with an open letter to Dan Shafer about his investigation of Linux. It's a nice feel-good piece on Linux and how bright its future is. It's also pretty important for Journalist types to take note of it since Linux is growing in the media at an amazing clip. Follow the link below to read it.

First, I'm going to try to designate articles that are meant to be funny. Hope this doesn't spoil the joke for anyone, but we had a few people confused over some of the more subtle jokes. Anyway, Mike Perry wrote in with proof (?) that 1998 is in fact the year of Linux. Its pretty funny. Hit the link below and wonder at the lengths Linux users will go to.

Allen wrote in to tell us that Debian has officially frozen, and to warn us that 'Hamm' should be out in 38 (well, 37 now) days. Looking forward to it.

Mention one and the floodgates open. First Chris Seawood wrote in to tell us that The Kernel-Panic LUG is doing an installfest tomorrow night (Sat Mar 14). Read more on their site. Second Uzi wrote in to tell me that RedHat's road tour is stopping at UCLA tomorrow as well. Check here for more details.

Kurt Gray wrote in to tell us that the Boston LUG is having their third annual installfest on March 21. (details on their page). Its $25/per person/machine, but thats still a bargain compared to hiring a Unix consultant $80 an hour to do it for you, plus you get to learn from the wisdom of people who have probably done this a few times before *grin*.

Derek Simkowiak wrote in to tell us that RedHat's Road Tour is coming through Seattle on Monday. Puget Sound LUG is hosting, Derek just wanted me to plug this event since they only have 4 days to promote it and he wants a serious turnout. Read more at this site. Wish I could come.