http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//windows-8-tips-and-tricks-part-2.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-8-tips-and-tricks-part-2.htm

Ashton Mills shows you how to tweak Windows 8 further to your liking.]]> Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:15:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-dual-boot-windows-8-and-linux.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-dual-boot-windows-8-and-linux.htm

Best friends forever? Well, maybe not, but we can at least get Windows 8 and Linux booting from the same machine without too much trouble. Ashton Mills explains.]]> Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-8-tips-and-tricks-part-1.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-8-tips-and-tricks-part-1.htm

What is Windows without tweaking it to your liking?]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:57:23 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-store-vs-app-store-google-play-the-fight-is-on.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-store-vs-app-store-google-play-the-fight-is-on.htm

Microsoft’s Windows Store is the new spectacle-faced kid on the block. But can it match or overtake the success of the Apple and Google incumbents? Ashton Mills goes shopping.]]> Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:43:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//navigating-windows-8.htm http://apcmag.com//navigating-windows-8.htm

So you’ve got this new user interface formerly known as ''Metro'' in front of you. How do you use this thing? Here’s our quick guide to surviving 'Metro' and making it work for you]]> Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:38:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//who-will-windows-8-benefit-the-most.htm http://apcmag.com//who-will-windows-8-benefit-the-most.htm

Everyone is different, but here’s APC’s take on who we think will or won’t benefit from upgrading to Windows 8.]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:06:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//setting-up-windows-8.htm http://apcmag.com//setting-up-windows-8.htm

So you’ve got a new Windows 8 PC or dived into an upgrade purchase. Ashton Mills guides you through setting up Windows 8 and finding your way around the new user interface.]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:15:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//is-windows-8-for-you.htm http://apcmag.com//is-windows-8-for-you.htm

Is it worth your time and money? Ashton Mills asks and answers the hard question.]]> Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:51:14 +1000 http://apcmag.com//automating-backups-with-windows-home-server.htm http://apcmag.com//automating-backups-with-windows-home-server.htm

With auto backups on your new WHS setup, you’ll never have to worry about losing files again! ]]> Fri, 21 Sep 2012 17:52:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//explaining-linux-mint-13.htm http://apcmag.com//explaining-linux-mint-13.htm

It may be based on Ubuntu, but Linux Mint is a drastic departure for the OS. Ashton Mills explains.]]> Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:09:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//watching-the-watchers.htm http://apcmag.com//watching-the-watchers.htm

Did you know that personal information is collected every time you surf the web? Here's how to stay safe.]]> Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:57:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//boost-performance-with-a-ram-drive.htm http://apcmag.com//boost-performance-with-a-ram-drive.htm

A RAM drive can add to your PC's performance in everyday operations. Ashton Mills explains how.]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:34:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tweaking-unity.htm http://apcmag.com//tweaking-unity.htm

Don't like Unity as is? No problem. There are a number of programs you can use to adjust Unity to your liking.]]> Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:09:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-8-in-depth-versions-breakdown.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-8-in-depth-versions-breakdown.htm

Ashton Mills looks at the versioning of Windows 8 -- and how this will have some unintended consequences for media playback.]]> Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:51:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linux-use-the-source-luke.htm http://apcmag.com//linux-use-the-source-luke.htm

Try a source-based Linux distribution so you can tailor it perfectly to your needs. The choices are endless...]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-memory-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-ram.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-memory-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-ram.htm

Tame your caches and find a way to make use of all that spare RAM.]]> Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:15:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//make-it-so-how-to-master-the-linux-command-line.htm http://apcmag.com//make-it-so-how-to-master-the-linux-command-line.htm

A range of Linux terminal programs are at the ready to speed up navigation, configuration and more.]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-stream-stutter-free-in-windows.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-stream-stutter-free-in-windows.htm

It may come as news to some, but Windows isn't always the best when it comes to real-time operations.]]> Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:42:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-maximise-ssd-performance-with-linux.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-maximise-ssd-performance-with-linux.htm

There are many tweaks you can try to enhance SSD performance – it's a case of getting under the bonnet.]]> Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:31:02 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-second-coming-bob2-modem-handset-review.htm http://apcmag.com//the-second-coming-bob2-modem-handset-review.htm

An upgrade to the heavenly (ahem) promoted BoB reveals there's still some room for improvement.]]> Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sick-of-ubuntu-a-look-at-linux-mint-12.htm http://apcmag.com//sick-of-ubuntu-a-look-at-linux-mint-12.htm

For a number of years now Ubuntu Linux has been the poster penguin for easy-to-use Linux. But it's not the only one.]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:02:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//graphics-performance-how-anti-aliasing-is-getting-smarter.htm http://apcmag.com//graphics-performance-how-anti-aliasing-is-getting-smarter.htm

Ever on the lookout for better ways to render pixels, anti-aliasing has advanced in leaps and bounds.]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:38:47 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-8-in-depth-updating-windows-update.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-8-in-depth-updating-windows-update.htm

In our latest sneak peek at what's new in Windows 8, we take a look at how Microsoft is tackling that necessary evil: updating your OS.]]> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//alternatives-to-ubuntu.htm http://apcmag.com//alternatives-to-ubuntu.htm

Old-school Ubuntu fans who aren't a fan of the new Unity-based direction of the operating system might find something to like in some of the official Ubuntu spin-offs.]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:53:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-8-in-depth-inside-the-new-file-history-features.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-8-in-depth-inside-the-new-file-history-features.htm

In our continuing look at the technology driving Windows 8, we delve into how the next-gen OS handles File History.]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-8-memory-tricks-microsofts-all-new-task-manager.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-8-memory-tricks-microsofts-all-new-task-manager.htm

We pull apart Windows 8's Dev Preview bit by bit to reveal what's under the hood of Microsoft's bold next step: here we look at the all-new Task Manager.]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:57:19 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-1110-setting-up-oneiric.htm http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-1110-setting-up-oneiric.htm

The latest Ubuntu is slick and sublime, and while it gets a lot right, there's still some essential tweaks you can do to make the most of your new install.]]> Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-1110-oneiric-ocelot-and-the-cloud.htm http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-1110-oneiric-ocelot-and-the-cloud.htm

There's a lot of new features in the latest iteration of Ubuntu. Today we take a look at the new Software Centre, OneConf and Ubuntu One.]]> Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//better-browsing-playing-guest-to-your-hosts.htm http://apcmag.com//better-browsing-playing-guest-to-your-hosts.htm

How your ‘hosts file’ can make your browsing safer and protect your computer from malware.]]> Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-1110-unity-comes-of-age.htm http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-1110-unity-comes-of-age.htm

Has Canonical's controversial new desktop interface improved enough to not only be an amiable desktop for Ubuntu, but to fend off the competition from Windows 8?]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-8-memory-tricks-hands-on-with-the-developer-preview.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-8-memory-tricks-hands-on-with-the-developer-preview.htm

We pull apart Windows 8 bit by bit to reveal what's under the hood of Microsoft's bold next step.]]> Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hands-on-with-ubuntu-1110-oneiric-ocelot.htm http://apcmag.com//hands-on-with-ubuntu-1110-oneiric-ocelot.htm

With Mac OS X Lion on the prowl and Windows 8 just around the corner, now more than ever is the time for Linux to show it can keep up with the times.]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//explorers-role-in-windows-8-hands-on-with-the-developer-preview.htm http://apcmag.com//explorers-role-in-windows-8-hands-on-with-the-developer-preview.htm

With Metro on the scene, Explorer is no longer the default interface for Windows, but it does still remain an integral part when you click on the Desktop tile.]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hands-on-with-windows-8-performance-in-the-developer-preview.htm http://apcmag.com//hands-on-with-windows-8-performance-in-the-developer-preview.htm

As with every Windows, performance has gone under the microscope and this time the focus, especially given the mobile targeting of Metro, has been in fast boot and shutdown times.]]> Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//take-windows-8-for-a-spin-today.htm http://apcmag.com//take-windows-8-for-a-spin-today.htm

Keen to check out Windows 8's new features and don't want to wait? Why not have a play with the Windows 8 Developer Preview with our hands-on guide?]]> Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//decoding-microsofts-free-security-tools.htm http://apcmag.com//decoding-microsofts-free-security-tools.htm

After all the flak Windows has received over the years about security, it's no surprise Microsoft invested in improving the Windows image from Vista through to Windows 7.]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//inside-metro-the-future-of-the-windows-ui.htm http://apcmag.com//inside-metro-the-future-of-the-windows-ui.htm

Metro is Microsoft's name for the new interface that greets you when you first boot Windows 8, a re-imagining of the Windows UI for desktops and all consumer computing devices.]]> Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-best-ubuntu-backup-tools.htm http://apcmag.com//the-best-ubuntu-backup-tools.htm

Things can still go wrong with Linux, so you’ll need a reliable backup program.]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//top-10-reasons-windows-still-blows-mac-os-x-lion-away.htm http://apcmag.com//top-10-reasons-windows-still-blows-mac-os-x-lion-away.htm

Ashton Mills disagrees with our story on why Mac OS X Lion is superior to Windows 7. So he responds with his top 10 reasons why Windows still makes Lion look like a kitten.]]> Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:19:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-case-for-teleworking-plus-top-5-work-at-home-productivity-tips.htm http://apcmag.com//the-case-for-teleworking-plus-top-5-work-at-home-productivity-tips.htm

Working at home is often dreamed of by jealous office colleagues, but there are real reasons why it's the way forward for progressive workplaces.]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-set-up-the-perfect-teleworking-environment.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-set-up-the-perfect-teleworking-environment.htm

Teleworking (aka working from home) is increasing fast as new technology and communications make it possible. Here's how to make the most of it.]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-play-blu-ray-in-linux.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-play-blu-ray-in-linux.htm

He’s been battling with this one for a while, but Ashton Mills can finally watch Blu-ray on his Linux machine. Now you can too.]]> Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//is-ubuntu-falling-from-grace.htm http://apcmag.com//is-ubuntu-falling-from-grace.htm

The unthinkable is happening – Linux Mint is overtaking Ubuntu in popularity.]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-tweak-ubuntu-1104-natty-narwhal-part-3.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-tweak-ubuntu-1104-natty-narwhal-part-3.htm

Last time we covered tweaking some of Natty's new features. Now we'll round off the new install tips with some helpful programs and finishing touches.]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-tweak-ubuntu-1104-natty-narwhal-part-2.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-tweak-ubuntu-1104-natty-narwhal-part-2.htm

Last time we covered the start of some essential tips for making the most of Natty Narwhal. This time we delve a little deeper with the overlay scrollbars, applets and more.]]> Sat, 27 Aug 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tweaking-ubuntu-natty.htm http://apcmag.com//tweaking-ubuntu-natty.htm

We've got the lowdown on Ubuntu 11.04 and the new Unity interface to help you breeze through your work and play.]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:31:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//an-all-new-ubuntu.htm http://apcmag.com//an-all-new-ubuntu.htm

The latest version of Ubuntu, codenamed Natty Narwhal, isn't just another release of the iconic distribution. We take a comprehensive look at the new interface.]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-choose-the-right-bittorrent-client-for-linux.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-choose-the-right-bittorrent-client-for-linux.htm

BitTorrent is a popular way to distribute content on the web — but which clients for Linux suit your needs the best?]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:56:23 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-enable-exfat-in-ubuntu.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-enable-exfat-in-ubuntu.htm

We show you how to take advantage of the exFAT filesystem and all its benefits for your Ubuntu setup in just a few simple steps.]]> Sat, 14 May 2011 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//meegone-what-nokias-move-to-wp7-means-for-meego.htm http://apcmag.com//meegone-what-nokias-move-to-wp7-means-for-meego.htm

Nokia's decision to dump MeeGo for Windows Phone 7 doesn't mean the Linux-based mobile OS is dead, or does it?]]> Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:56:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-control-ubuntu-from-the-command-line.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-control-ubuntu-from-the-command-line.htm

If the GUI just isn't doing it for you, why not take back control with some of these command-line gems? Our Linux guru Ashton Mills walks you through these powerful commands.]]> Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:39:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linux-to-get-a-10x-speed-boost.htm http://apcmag.com//linux-to-get-a-10x-speed-boost.htm

In Linux land a single patch to the kernel isn't usually ground-breaking, but a small patch by kernel developer Mike Galbraith has even Linus Torvalds excited.]]> Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:13:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//customise-ubuntu-with-grub.htm http://apcmag.com//customise-ubuntu-with-grub.htm

The boot loader for Ubuntu, and indeed most all Linux distributions, is GRUB: the GRand Unified Bootloader. We show you how to get your hands dirty.]]> Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:56:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-one-ubuntus-cloud-platform-and-its-benefits-explained.htm http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-one-ubuntus-cloud-platform-and-its-benefits-explained.htm

The money behind the world's slickest Linux distribution has to come from somewhere, and increasingly that's Canonical's online platform: Ubuntu One. But what's in it for you?]]> Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:52:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ubuntus-funky-new-threads-1104-release-to-get-unity-as-default-ui.htm http://apcmag.com//ubuntus-funky-new-threads-1104-release-to-get-unity-as-default-ui.htm

It’s official: Unity will become the default desktop environment for Ubuntu 11.04. But what does this change mean for users of the world's most popular Linux distribution?]]> Sat, 29 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//maverick-meerkat-ubuntus-latest-os-dissected-for-the-linux-curious.htm http://apcmag.com//maverick-meerkat-ubuntus-latest-os-dissected-for-the-linux-curious.htm

The latest Ubuntu release promises to be a perfect 10, but how does it really rate? We check out Ubuntu 10.10 and take a look at what's new, to see if it measures up.]]> Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:06:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//alternative-distros.htm http://apcmag.com//alternative-distros.htm

Ubuntu might be the most popular Linux, but there are two other desktop distributions which have a lot to offer but aren't getting the publicity they deserve, says Ashton Mills.]]> Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:55:58 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-users-get-their-nerd-on.htm http://apcmag.com//ubuntu-users-get-their-nerd-on.htm

Ubuntu 10.10, aka Maverick Meerkat, is bound to give Ubuntu users a big nerd on. Ashton Mills reveals the top new features in the latest version of the most popular Linux]]> Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:23:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linux-in-the-cloud.htm http://apcmag.com//linux-in-the-cloud.htm

Canonical provices free, web-based, storage for every Ubuntu user - but is it any good and what other options are there for Linux users? Ashton Mills finds out.]]> Thu, 07 Oct 2010 07:17:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//gnome-wants-to-match-kde-and-windows.htm http://apcmag.com//gnome-wants-to-match-kde-and-windows.htm

The next major release of Gnome promises to re-define the Linux desktop the way KDE has. Ashton Mills previews the new shell for Ubuntu's default desktop.]]> Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:14:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linuxs-new-look-kde.htm http://apcmag.com//linuxs-new-look-kde.htm

While the Gnome desktop is the de-facto for Ubuntu, try the KDE alternative if you want the best-looking and comtemporary Linux UI, says APC's Linux guru, Ashton Mills.]]> Fri, 24 Sep 2010 07:33:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-tether-the-iphone-to-your-linux-pc.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-tether-the-iphone-to-your-linux-pc.htm

Using Linux doesn't mean that tethering the iPhone as a mobile modem isn't an option. Here's how - step by step.]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:01:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//superguide_the_open_source_challenge_how_to_replace_windows_completely_with_ubuntu.htm http://apcmag.com//superguide_the_open_source_challenge_how_to_replace_windows_completely_with_ubuntu.htm

Ashton Mills is going cold turkey and dumping Windows for Linux altogether. Will he sink or swim? Can you really install Linux and open source software in place of Windows, and want for nothing? This is the authoritative how-to guide.]]> Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_5_email_and_office.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_5_email_and_office.htm

Having settled in with his Ubuntu partner in crime, Ashton discovers that living in a Linux only world can sometimes be a breeze too.]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:51:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_9_gaming.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_9_gaming.htm

We all know what computers arereallygood for -- games, and lots of them. Linux has never really been a gaming platform, so can Ashton Mills survive without Windows here?]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:51:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_8_video_editing.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_8_video_editing.htm

So far the challenge to go all Linux has been a hit and miss affair, but it's also been a great learning experience. Now Ashton swings his Ubuntu guns on the problem of video editing.]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_3_file_management.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_3_file_management.htm

In the last section we discovered that not all was well in media land when it came to Ubuntu's desktop. Will things get better as Ashton Mills learns to live solely in the world of Linux?]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_4_ipods_cameras_and_more.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_4_ipods_cameras_and_more.htm

The challenge continues as Ashton Mills forgoes the tasty delights of Windows for a world subsisting on Linux. Is it enough, or will he go hungry? Read on to find out about Ashton's challenge to rip and encode MP3s to an iPod.]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_10_the_verdict.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_10_the_verdict.htm

Join us for the final instalment of our Open Source Challenge -- to see just how easy, or hard, it is to make Linux your main operating system and a replacement for Windows. What verdict does Ashton Mills give?]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_6_usb_peripherals_and_plugnplay.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_6_usb_peripherals_and_plugnplay.htm

You've gotta love the plug'n'play nature of USB devices, especially when it comes to cameras and other pluggable peripherals. But can Ubuntu make it as easy as Windows?]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_7_working_with_images.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_7_working_with_images.htm

Surprisingly, Ashton hasn't gone completely nuts whilst subsisting only on Ubuntu. Of course, the challenge isn't over yet...]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_2_web_browsing_security_and_multimedia_formats_dvds_and_entertainment.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_2_web_browsing_security_and_multimedia_formats_dvds_and_entertainment.htm Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//why_i_quit_kernel_developer_con_kolivas.htm http://apcmag.com//why_i_quit_kernel_developer_con_kolivas.htm

INTERVIEW | Linux is burdened with enterprise crap that makes it run poorly on desktop PCs, says kernel developer Con Kolivas who recently walked away from years of work on it.]]> Tue, 24 Jul 2007 13:40:23 +1000 http://apcmag.com//interview_with_con_kolivas_part_2_his_effort_to_improve_linux_performance_on_the_desktop.htm http://apcmag.com//interview_with_con_kolivas_part_2_his_effort_to_improve_linux_performance_on_the_desktop.htm

What ultimately drove Con Kolivas to exit the Linux developer community forever.]]> Tue, 24 Jul 2007 13:26:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//interview_with_con_kolivas_part_1_computing_is_boring.htm http://apcmag.com//interview_with_con_kolivas_part_1_computing_is_boring.htm

The death of innovation in PCs, and how Con Kolivas started to identify problems with Linux performance on the desktop.]]> Tue, 24 Jul 2007 13:04:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//gentoo_tip_for_the_love_of_tmpfs.htm http://apcmag.com//gentoo_tip_for_the_love_of_tmpfs.htm

When one chooses the Gentoo way patience is most certainly a virtue -- but you can speed it up a bit with this simple and effective tweak. Speed up Gentoo? Read on!]]> Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:22:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//readyboost_for_linux.htm http://apcmag.com//readyboost_for_linux.htm

Say what you will about Microsoft but ReadyBoost is a clever use of cheap-as-chips USB memory keys. Now there's a sort-of version for Linux too.]]> Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:27:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//why_i_love_linux.htm http://apcmag.com//why_i_love_linux.htm

One man's tale of how Windows screwed up a RAIDed drive configuration and the Linux community rallied round to fix it. WARNING: The following heartfelt love story is a nerdfest of extreme proportions. Enjoy.]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 01:32:28 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google_desktop_for_linux_gplv3_released.htm http://apcmag.com//google_desktop_for_linux_gplv3_released.htm

Hands up if you're tired of all the iPhone hype? Yes Apple's iPhone is all the rage right now, and sexy though it may be there are stillotherthings happening in the universe right now. Here's two of them.]]> Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:41:58 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linux_on_windows_with_lina.htm http://apcmag.com//linux_on_windows_with_lina.htm

Between WINE, VMware, BOCHs and virtual machines, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to running Windows applications on Linux. But what about the other way around? Cygwin aside, there is another way.]]> Tue, 26 Jun 2007 21:38:37 +1000 http://apcmag.com//zfs_what_the_ultimate_file_system_really_means_for_your_desktop__in_plain_english.htm http://apcmag.com//zfs_what_the_ultimate_file_system_really_means_for_your_desktop__in_plain_english.htm

So, Sun's ZFS file system has garnered publicity recently with the announcement of its inclusion in Mac OS X and, more recently, as a module for the Linux kernel. But if you don't readFilesystems Weekly, what is it and what does it mean for you?]]> Thu, 21 Jun 2007 02:50:21 +1000 http://apcmag.com//first_look_at_fedora_core_7_installer_problems_abound.htm http://apcmag.com//first_look_at_fedora_core_7_installer_problems_abound.htm

The latest in this vintage clothing named distribution (yes yes, we know the are roots in Red Hat) comes with a new distribution format, the latest X.org release for 3D accelerated goodness, and an extremely polished desktop environment. When we eventually got it installed, that is.]]> Thu, 14 Jun 2007 01:58:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//first_look_at_dells_ubuntu_boxes.htm http://apcmag.com//first_look_at_dells_ubuntu_boxes.htm

A chap in the Ubuntu forums in the States has nabbed a Dell Ubuntu box and given it a good once over. Here's our take on what's in the kit and what it could mean if the machines ever make it to our shores.]]> Thu, 07 Jun 2007 06:23:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mozilla_donates_us100000_to_democracy.htm http://apcmag.com//mozilla_donates_us100000_to_democracy.htm

The popular web TV culture aggregator, which is struggling to be the future of mass media video, got a boost recently with a hefty donation to its cause courtesy of the Mozilla Foundation to the tune of $US100,000. Now that's a lot of TV.]]> Mon, 04 Jun 2007 02:15:14 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hot_damn_dell_to_preinstall_linux.htm http://apcmag.com//hot_damn_dell_to_preinstall_linux.htm

Dell has confirmed that it will bundle Ubuntu Linux with a range of laptops and PCs. Is this Microsoft's worst nightmare come true -- one of the world's biggest PC manufacturers adopting Linux as a retail OS?]]> Wed, 02 May 2007 00:18:26 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ubuntu_704__its_not_all_bad.htm http://apcmag.com//ubuntu_704__its_not_all_bad.htm

In Part 2 of this hands-on look at the new Ubuntu 7.04 we take a look at some of the new features, the merits and the pitfalls, of this latest distribution the Ubuntu line has to offer. Is finally ready for prime time as the ultimate Linux desktop?]]> Mon, 30 Apr 2007 01:35:45 +1000 http://apcmag.com//whats_wrong_with_ubuntu_704.htm http://apcmag.com//whats_wrong_with_ubuntu_704.htm

It's one of the Linux kingdom's most anticipated releases, and promises to be the best user-friendly desktop distributions yet (so easy your grandma could use it, we're told). Now that it's here, does it live up to the hype?]]> Mon, 30 Apr 2007 01:34:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_to_unveil_mobile_internet_devices__red_flag_linux_with_iphonestyle_interface.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_to_unveil_mobile_internet_devices__red_flag_linux_with_iphonestyle_interface.htm

Intel will shortly announce that its future Mobile Internet Devices and UMPCs will be Linux-powered, using a custom version of the Chinese Red Flag distribution.]]> Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:55:45 +1000 http://apcmag.com//debian_40_released_ubuntu_feisty_due_soon.htm http://apcmag.com//debian_40_released_ubuntu_feisty_due_soon.htm

As the latest Debian news reports -- after 21 months of development, Debian 4.0, aka 'Etch', has been released. Even if you don't use Debian this is an important milestone as the distribution forms the base of many others, including Ubuntu.]]> Tue, 10 Apr 2007 06:30:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how_to_declutter_your_desktop__linux_guis_compared.htm http://apcmag.com//how_to_declutter_your_desktop__linux_guis_compared.htm

They say a clean room is a sign of a clean mind. Or at least, an organised one. And your desktop is no less a virtual room. If yours is full of clutter, it may be more a sign of the software you use than your mind. Clean it up with these great alternatives.]]> Thu, 05 Apr 2007 07:24:34 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linux_mce_windows_mce_days_numbered.htm http://apcmag.com//linux_mce_windows_mce_days_numbered.htm

The Linux community is at last seriously taking on the Microsoft Marketing Machine in the media centre space: Linux MCE is destined not only to be functionally superior, but easy to install too (it's based on Ubuntu).]]> Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:06:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//why_vista_is_defective_by_design.htm http://apcmag.com//why_vista_is_defective_by_design.htm

Vista's DRM features have been drawing ever more criticism, but it's just the latest step among many that takes liberties out of the hands of users and into the media megacorps. So what are you going to do about it?]]> Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:12:58 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linux_2620_kernel_is_born_whats_inside.htm http://apcmag.com//linux_2620_kernel_is_born_whats_inside.htm

Finally, after a long development cycle the 2.6.20 kernel has been released, and brings with it a number of new cool features. In the word of Linus' the new kernel is A lot of stuff. All over. And KVM.]]> Fri, 09 Feb 2007 09:09:02 +1000 http://apcmag.com//my_mum_the_wardriver.htm http://apcmag.com//my_mum_the_wardriver.htm

What happens when you give Wi-Fi to your retired parents? Well, clearly, they go out and hack the gibson like any sensible well-equipped individual would do.]]> Mon, 05 Feb 2007 04:19:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//my_kingdom_for_a_keyboard.htm http://apcmag.com//my_kingdom_for_a_keyboard.htm

Keyboards. They don't make 'em like they used to. These days they seem to pack everythingandthe kitchen sink. Doesn't anyone make a plain old keyboard anymore?]]> Sun, 04 Feb 2007 13:14:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//install_linux_from_windows.htm http://apcmag.com//install_linux_from_windows.htm

Just when Microsoft wants you to forget about alternatives to Vista, along comes the Debian based project that allows you to not only install Linux on a Windows system, but do it right under its nose.]]> Mon, 29 Jan 2007 10:14:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//in_response_to_10_reasons_not_to_get_vista.htm http://apcmag.com//in_response_to_10_reasons_not_to_get_vista.htm

My colleague Dan Warne and OSNews Managing Editor Thom Holwerda responded to my '10 reasons not to get Vista' piece. There's nothing like the charged poles of passionate debate to wake you up in the morning. Or afternoon, if you're like me. Read on to see what I say...]]> Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:54:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//10_reasons_not_to_get_vista.htm http://apcmag.com//10_reasons_not_to_get_vista.htm

It's all too easy to get caught up in the million dollar marketing engine as we approach the consumer release of Windows Vista, so lets not forget that it isn't the second coming, and by all counts is an upgrade you can do without.]]> Sun, 21 Jan 2007 11:52:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//a_second_chance_at_life.htm http://apcmag.com//a_second_chance_at_life.htm

Ultra popular MMOG Second Life has taken the step of open sourcing its client application. What will the open source community do with it?]]> Mon, 15 Jan 2007 05:42:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nouveau_opensource_nvidia_drivers.htm http://apcmag.com//nouveau_opensource_nvidia_drivers.htm

Nvidia and ATI drivers are essential for Linux users, and the Nouveau project aims to make them open-source -- well, NVIDIA ones, at least.]]> Thu, 11 Jan 2007 02:15:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//2007_year_of_the_penguin.htm http://apcmag.com//2007_year_of_the_penguin.htm

Every year we hear predictions that this year, Linux will make it big. But every year, Linux continues to be the teenager that never grows up. Will this year be different?]]> Mon, 08 Jan 2007 03:43:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//want_to_buy_a_mmorpg.htm http://apcmag.com//want_to_buy_a_mmorpg.htm

It's not every day you get the opportunity to help purchase and open source a massively multiplayer online game -- but the team behind Free Ryzom certainly tried, raising almost 200,000 Euros to purchase the assets and intellectual property of the Ryzom MMORPG.]]> Fri, 22 Dec 2006 03:24:04 +1000 http://apcmag.com//whats_in_open_office_21.htm http://apcmag.com//whats_in_open_office_21.htm

The single biggest competitor to Microsoft's Office suite has reached a new milestone with the recent release of Open Office 2.1. There's a number of new features that stack up well against Office 2007 and its new 'easier' interface.]]> Sun, 17 Dec 2006 14:24:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//firefox_now_on_tv.htm http://apcmag.com//firefox_now_on_tv.htm

There's no better exposure than word of mouth, right? Well, there isTV. Four community-made Firefox TVCs will appear on US screens in coming weeks, funded in part by the legion of Firefox fans themselves.]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2006 06:52:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//looking_back_on_google_from_the_year_2026.htm http://apcmag.com//looking_back_on_google_from_the_year_2026.htm

Dear Google, great and mighty information overlord, keeper of the sanctified and searched-for bits, and glorious displayer of the Earth for all to see. I have a message for you.]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:57:47 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how_to_protect_your_p2p_privacy.htm http://apcmag.com//how_to_protect_your_p2p_privacy.htm

It's not just the bad 'hackers' out there that might try and get in a look in on your machine, perfectly legitimate companies are out to do it too. Here's how to block out unwanted guests.]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2006 09:08:05 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sun_sets_java_free.htm http://apcmag.com//sun_sets_java_free.htm

It's not every day that one of the landmarks of computing is released into the world for all and sundry to play with. But that's exactly what Sun is doing with Java, promising to release all Java source code under the GPL by March 2007.]]> Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:26:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//a_vote_for_democracy.htm http://apcmag.com//a_vote_for_democracy.htm

No this isn't about the elections in the US, and how we can send men to the moon but can't make a voting machine without a bias. You could, however, probably watch the politicians kissing babies through the eyes of pop culture with Democracy: a culture driven video based RSS aggregator.]]> Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:08:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft_and_novell_jump_in_bed.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft_and_novell_jump_in_bed.htm

Microsoft and Novell are teaming up -- and just let me look outside to see if the sky is falling -- to support Linux. In a webcast today from San Francisco, Steve Ballmer acknowledged that Linux plays an important role in the operations of many companies, alongside Microsoft's products.]]> Fri, 03 Nov 2006 10:00:44 +1000 http://apcmag.com//fedora_core_6_and_ubuntu_610_released.htm http://apcmag.com//fedora_core_6_and_ubuntu_610_released.htm

Does it get any better than this? Not one but two of the most popular distributions have been updated and unleashed onto the world at stage this week. Both feature some substantial upgrades, a host of new toys to play with too. If you haven't so far checked them out, now is as good a time as any,]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 06:10:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//yellow_dog_marks_its_territory_with_first_linux_release_for_playstation3.htm http://apcmag.com//yellow_dog_marks_its_territory_with_first_linux_release_for_playstation3.htm

Long time PowerPC software vendor Terrasoft has announced the latest version of its popular Yellow Dog Linux distribution will be built specifically for the PS3.]]> Tue, 24 Oct 2006 13:20:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linux_goes_to_portland.htm http://apcmag.com//linux_goes_to_portland.htm

One of the greatest strengths of open source - freedom of choice and open code for anyone to work and develop on - is also one its weaknesses. The Portland project may be about to change all that.]]> Thu, 19 Oct 2006 14:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//reiser4_to_go_mainline.htm http://apcmag.com//reiser4_to_go_mainline.htm

The superfast filesystem Reiser4 has been pushing for entry to the mainline kernel tree for sometime now, but has been hampered by incompatibilites with the core filesystem layer. After learning of plans to include Reiser4 as early as 2.6.19, we decided to get the low down on whether Reiser4 would, after years of development, finally make it into mainline.]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2006 14:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//slackware_turns_11_after_13_years.htm http://apcmag.com//slackware_turns_11_after_13_years.htm

Stability, thy name is Slackware. The new version 11, just out, is still running the 2.4 kernel, and is so efficient that the official Slackware website still runs on a Pentium III 600MHz with 512MB RAM.]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2006 02:49:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mandriva_to_play_windows_games.htm http://apcmag.com//mandriva_to_play_windows_games.htm

The popular Linux distribution formerly known as Mandrake will be able to play Windows games straight out of the box with the inclusion of Transgaming's Cedega engine in its 2007 release.]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2006 03:43:34 +1000 http://apcmag.com//kernel_developers_oppose_gplv3.htm http://apcmag.com//kernel_developers_oppose_gplv3.htm

Linux creator Linus Torvalds has come out against the proposed GPLv3 free software licence, along with other kernel developers. One of the key bones of contention? DRM.]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2006 03:26:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//use_the_source_luke.htm http://apcmag.com//use_the_source_luke.htm

The openess of open-source has led rise to source-based Linux distributions -- OS' you compile yourself. But is there a place for the DIY OS in what is already a crowded market of binary Linux distributions?]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2006 10:21:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//inside_the_selftuning_genetic_linux.htm http://apcmag.com//inside_the_selftuning_genetic_linux.htm

Can the application of genetic algorithms improve the performance of the Linux kernel? Perhaps, and if you're game enough, you can find out for yourself.]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 04:40:11 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mythtv_vs_windows_media_centre_is_linux_still_in_with_a_chance.htm http://apcmag.com//mythtv_vs_windows_media_centre_is_linux_still_in_with_a_chance.htm

When it comes to media center software, can the Linux solutions hold up against Windows XP Media Center and the looming Vista Home Premium with MCE built-in?]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2006 05:31:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//whats_the_worlds_fastest_browser.htm http://apcmag.com//whats_the_worlds_fastest_browser.htm

Guess, we dare you, before you click more. Could it be Internet Explorer, or Firefox, or perhaps the aptly-named Swiftfox for Linux? Read on, the results might surprise you.]]> Thu, 07 Sep 2006 06:54:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//two_linux_remote_desktop_apps_freed_from_their_commercial_overlords.htm http://apcmag.com//two_linux_remote_desktop_apps_freed_from_their_commercial_overlords.htm

You've got to love it when yesterday's capitalist pig-dog commercial software becomes today's pure, virtuous, free, open-source tool. Two powerful remote desktop systems for Linux have just been given the open-source treatment.]]> Tue, 05 Sep 2006 06:54:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//create_your_own_torrent_tracker_in_a_few_clicks_with_snakebite.htm http://apcmag.com//create_your_own_torrent_tracker_in_a_few_clicks_with_snakebite.htm

Snakebite is the world's first drag and drop auto torrent seeder that makes sharing files over bittorrent easier than ever before. It's news the acronymic bad guys, the RIAA and MPAA, are just going to love.]]> Thu, 31 Aug 2006 06:15:07 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ncftp_weaponsgrade_ftp_on_the_linux_command_line.htm http://apcmag.com//ncftp_weaponsgrade_ftp_on_the_linux_command_line.htm

Wait, aren't console FTP clientsboring? Not this one, especially when you consider its feature list: resume, batch processing, background transfers, war-dialing and more. See what happens when form meets function at the terminal.]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2006 02:56:07 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ion_the_windowless_linux_desktop.htm http://apcmag.com//ion_the_windowless_linux_desktop.htm

Here's a question to mull on for your weekend: why do desktop GUIs all have to be window based? A new desktop concept for Linux demonstrates that there is another way, and it's potentially much more efficient.]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2006 08:33:52 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how_to_amp_up_the_linux_kernel.htm http://apcmag.com//how_to_amp_up_the_linux_kernel.htm

It's a tough job, but someone has to test out the bleeding-edge hacks to the Linux kernel that can give you dramatically increased speed. But you don't actually have to be a command line guru to be able to take advantage of these...]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2006 06:37:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linux_to_get_reliable_ntfs_write_support.htm http://apcmag.com//linux_to_get_reliable_ntfs_write_support.htm

Finally, Linux users will have the ability to both readand writereliably to Microsoft's NTFS filesystem, using a new driver that's currently in beta. We tested both stability and speed...]]> Tue, 01 Aug 2006 07:17:44 +1000