So, Microsoft has decided to tell us that it ‘innovated’ a touch screen and then copied some existing software (even from Linux, as shown in the video below). Some people will still refuse to believe that great ideas comes from open minds, not large companies that thrive in mass marketing.

It is worth adding that Linux supports touchscreens very well and they can be aligned horizonally, for work or for play.

Some people just don’t want to know the truth

HERE is no question about it. Earth is becoming warmer due to various factors, including deforestation, congestions, and endless emissions. What is rather appalling is some people’s refusal to acknowledge this, let alone take action. The reluctance to make a change and help our future has no excuse. Here’s the gist:

The US appears to have rejected draft proposals by Germany for G8 members to agree tough measures in greenhouse gas emissions, leaked documents have shown.

saw ‘Baby Spice’ returning to the limelight the other night. Maybe she ran out of her Spice Girls money or maybe she just craves fame, attention, and status. Fair enough, I thought. However, her video is a remake/rendition of Downtown. No element was new, the video revolved around her appearance and, to make matters worse, her voice/singing was very unprofessional. I only mention this as an example. It symbolises a growing trend in showbiz.

There are some reports about possible price-fixing in the GPU biz. Might this be true?

The complaints may develop into class action law suits against which Nvidia says it will “vigorously” defend itself, according to Dow Jones.

This type of practice has become commonplace in many sectors. It would be a shame if it turned out to be true. There is some wonderful stuff coming out from NVidia’s work, as the following GNU/Linux video hopefully demonstrates.

• In the context of software, cost and quality need not be related at all. Free is sometimes better than pricey. If it helps, think of Linux as a robust and personalised UNIX. Its value to industry is high. It’s invaluable. And yet, its seller went mad and decided to stock it in infinite amounts and give it for free. It is not different from the way Microsoft, being another seller, treats distribution in poor nations.
• A switch to Linux is an upgrade, but also liberation of the PC and its owner. Letting a computer control the user and programmers make all decisions is like a tail that is wagging the dog.
• There are far more than 350 Linux distributions. With many thousands of packages and tools like rPath’s builder it all becomes a matter of combinatorics.
• Microsoft is forever scheming to kill Linux in a subtle and secretive fashion. Linux advocates then need to ‘backward-engineer’ the plan. Awareness is key here. One needs to watch a predatory rival (with history and ‘certificates’) like a hawk. Microsoft pulls the strings of the Novell Marionette at the moment. Novell miSuSUed its position in the Linux market.
• Microsoft attempts to corrupt (or at least ‘dilute’) the term ‘Open Source’ and confuse people in that market. Apple are not any better with their exploitation of BSD developers, a founder who turns a blind eye to eternal fraud, and very effective lockins. As for Google, I trust people like Chris DiBona, but not Eric Schmidt, who came from an arrogant company.
• Microsoft established a global monopoly through coordinated crime. History books and antitrust memos show this very clearly.
• The only think worst than litigation is fear. Fear drives people’s action.

At this point I’ll admit that I have begun concentrating on other blogs (you’ll find most of my new posts here). For those who still follow mine (RSS subscribers), here’s a nice video of a PSP project.