“Lin noted that Acer surveys have shown that most consumers believe a tablet PC is like a PC device, meaning it needs an open environment; therefore, Acer has chosen Android that supports Flash and USB to allow consumers to have a more complete Internet browsing experience.”

see Digitimes: “Acer expects component shortages for tablet PCs and smartphones“

One of the many unfortunate consequences of the strong earthquake in Japan is that some suppliers are off-line and it is not know how long or how strongly this will affect various OEMs. It seems Acer will concentrate on producing notebooks which could dampen tablets.

Acer seems to value the openness of Android and tablets. That is a refreshing sign and a hopeful one that OEMs and retailers may finally be kicking the Wintel habit in a big way.

Autodesk makes CAD software. By all reports it is good software and it is widely used. The licensing fees are substantial but many who use AutoCAD feel it is money well spent. However, other businesses wishing to provide CAD software have been persecuted for trying to make use of the files produced by AutoCAD (.dwg). One aspect of this is Autodesk seeking to obtain a trademark, DWG, to have leverage over competition. USPTO turned down that request but AutoDesk has made a 412-page reply asking the application to be granted for a trademark. Continue Reading

Again Netcraft publishes its measure of the most reliable hosting outfits. Linux takes the top 4 spots and 25 out of 40 sites rated:

1. Linux – 25
2. BSDs – 6
3. that other OS – 4
4. F5 Big IP – 1
5. unknown – 4

Besides being fast, reliable and low in costs, GNU/Linux is Free Software, meaning you can run it, examine it, change it and distribute it. This avoids lock-in and makes the system much easier to maintain.

The same advantages that GNU/Linux has on the server it has on the desktop. What’s holding you back? Try Debian GNU/Linux.

I have read on this blog and elsewhere fans of that other OS claiming you are pretty well protected from malware if:

1. you think before you click,
2. patch regularly, and
3. don’t browse porn-sites.

Thinking is helpful in the “social engineering” attack which is a huge proportion of attacks but many vulnerabilities over the network do not require action by the user and 51% of attacks are not associated with porn.

These three tactics are imperfect layers in a defence against malware and intruders. Patching regularly is a good idea for many reasons other than security but it can be too late or bring in additional vulnerabilities.

see ArsTechnica

Using GNU/Linux is a good layer of defence. Most malware is aimed at that other OS and GNU/Linux is simple and modular, much more easily and quickly patched. Being open source means many more people, also in layers, are testing/examining the code, and being Free Software, many more people, also in layers, are in a position to fix the problems.

We all know what smart phones are, phones that happen to be computers, game consoles, GPS navigation systems etc. What they have not been is affordable with prices ranging from $300 to $1000 depending on how locked-in to some ISP they were. This year, that is changing. There is a huge market for cheaper smart phones and suppliers will make them.
“About 20-25 million entry-level Android smartphones at contract-free prices of US$150 or below will be sold in the global market in 2011, much more than the 2.5-3 million units sold in 2010, Digitimes Research predicts.

Global smartphone sales will hike 54.5% from 2010 to 445 million units in 2011, of which 165 million or 37.1% will be Android models, surpassing Symbian to become the largest smartphone platform.” Continue Reading