The Proliferation of Linux

Can it be?  Is it really possible?  Adobe has finally put up with a 64-bit Flash player for Linux.  Admittedly, it’s still a preview release, but still it seems too good to be true.  It isn’t April Fool’s, is it?

The pre-release release was announced with a bit of, what I hope is, sarcasm:

We are pleased to announce that there is now a version of the Flash Player for Linux that supports 16 theoretical exabytes of physical memory. This technological feat is accomplished using a bleeding edge type of processor known as a 64-bit CPU.

I feel a bit sentimental about it all. It’s weird, but I think I’m going to miss the hundreds of comments on every post gently requesting a 64-bit version. So don’t be afraid to pop in with a “64-BIT NOW!!!1!!” comment every so often, you know, just for old time’s sake.

The alpha release of 64-bit Flash for Linux is now available for download at Adobe Labs, go and get it if you dare.

Adobe Penquin.SWF blog [via Slashdot]

Digi International will update its RJ-45 jack-sized Connect ME device server. Available in December with Linux cross-development tools, the Digi Connect ME 9210 offers a faster ARM9 processor and serial data rates, while adding a serial peripheral interface (SPI), I2C, and cryptography hardware.

Yes, that is a server. And no, you most likely won’t be seeing one of those in your home office. This little devices are destined for “OEMs who want to network-enable small-format industrial equipment, says Digi. Specific examples include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), power distribution units (PDUs), and building environment controls.”

LinuxDevices.com

A piece of popular wisdom (if there ever was such a thing) is held to be that the old jokes are the best.  Now a classic scholar has seemingly proved the point with the discovery of an ancient Greek version of the world famous “Dead Parrot sketch” featured on the classic Monty Python show.

A comedy duo called Hierocles and Philagrius told the original version, only rather than a parrot they used a slave.

It concerns a man who complains to his friend that he was sold a slave who dies in his service.

His companion replies: “When he was with me, he never did any such thing!”

Telegraph [via Slashdot]

ARM has announced a partnership between it and Canonical (of Ubuntu fame) to produce chips for netbooks.  The chips will compete directly with Intel’s Atom CPUs and VIA’s C7 series.  Canonical is porting Ubuntu to run on the ARM Cortex-A8 and Cortex-A9 processors and is set to be released in April 2009.

Engadget

OLPC’s G1G1 program is coming back and will also be available in Europe this time. In the G1G1 you pay for two OLPCs, one of which is donated to a third world country and one of which you receive yourself.

1. When will G1G1 v2 be available in Europe? Monday, November 17, just like in the United States.
2. At what price?Around $399 | £254 | €312 (No VAT will be applied only shipping costs!).
3. Which countries will be included? The 27 member states of the EU, plus Switzerland, Russia and Turkey.
4. Will we get customized keyboards? No, there will only be English/International keyboards.
5. Which power-plugs will be available? European and UK.
6. How will I be able to order or donate? Also via Amazon’s online-store at amazon.com/xo from where you will be redirected to amazon.co.uk.

OLPC News [via Slashdot]