GNU/Linux

"As easier as it gets, as simple as it can be" - this is the present Debian at its testing version. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of the debian mirror from Ravi, a hacker and GNU/Linux enthusiast who is also part of the Sampada team.

Now updating the mirror is easy.

I'm no big fan of Ubuntu unlike many of my friends, but Ubuntu has its place too in my office depending on the necessity. But where does Debian figure in picture of distributions? I can't just put it in few words, really. For one, it always presents me this simple face that you could tweak with - much like you shape your own piece of art over clay mould. The other, you have this "real" development aura surrounding it that makes you feel that without Debian you wouldn't be able to do much!

Struggling for words still on why Debian is so different, I feel using it would explain much of what it feels like. Is it the stability? Is it the convenience of not bothering about drastic changes of where stuff went with the new releases - I wouldn't know. But Debian is just too good.

When in school, college, the lengthy hours of (load shedding) power cuts in the evenings stealthily served a purpose - dragging us to the rooftop to gaze at the stars.

In Bangalore though, gazing at the stars is not quite the same because of the all the glow from the city side, even during a power cut. But here's a software that lets you browse through the spectacular objects in the space serving just like a planetarium but on your desktop!

What more, the software is as free as it gets (free as in freedom).

On Debian or Debian like GNU/Linux, all you have to do is this:
$apt-get install stellarium

to get it installed and running!

Note: The software is available for Windows and Mac users too.

Participation in the second edition of GNU/Linux Habba was huge. Close to 150 people turned up and the response was overwhelming. It was well above the capacity of the venue.

I would have been much happier had the program been entirely in Kannada as was intended earlier. Our Mysore volunteers seemed to have a penchant for English (even in an event planned to be in Kannada) which took me by a little surprise.

GNU/Linux Habba will happen in Mysore this time on Sunday next week. I'm sure most of you might have read about it already or got an email or two regarding this.
But registrations will be open only from Monday and we look forward to having fun installing GNU/Linux that day with all GNU/Linux fans, enthusiasts in Mysore!