I just read your latest issue, and was shocked about the reader's letter regarding Linux Magazine's reviews of some proprietary software. Don't listen to people like that!
Linux Magazine is definitely a magazine for all sorts of Linux compatible software and hardware, and today it means both: proprietary as well as open projects. As Linus Torvalds has stated many times, open and proprietary software must learn to coexist, because they're both needed to get the best results. And it's not about the freedom of software, but the freedom of choosing a license that will fit the owner's needs. Where's the freedom, if you're forced to make your own software free?
You're doing great work indeed, and I believe you will continue to do so in the future! There are lots of interesting proprietary projects for Linux (like Realsoft3D, a superb 3D-modeler), and I hope you get your hands on as many of them as you can. Open Source isn't always the best solution I can get here and now, so more reviews on professional proprietary tools are more than welcome.
Jouni Hätinen, by email
I am a new subscriber to Linux Magazine, and have only received three amazing issues so far. I was wondering, if you already have done, or when you will do, a cover story on Linux 64-bit versions - and then also send a distro out to subscribers.
The hardware platforms are slowly upgrading to this standard, and where are we going in terms of software?
Willem Fourie, by email
| LM |
We agree. 64-bit Linux certainly is a hot topic. Watch out for a story on 64-bit Linux in an upcoming issue of Linux Magazine.
We have sent out a 64-bit distro on DVD to our subscribers in the past - but it looks like this was before you got on board. This was the 64-bit version of Suse Linux 9.2 that came with the #54 / May issue of Linux Magazine. If you would like a copy, you can still order the back issue from http://www.linux-magazine.com/Backissues.
Can I install Xandros Desktop 3.0 from Linux Magazine DVD issue #56 / July without losing (access to) my Suse 9.3 Linux?
I have a 13 GB Windows partition and a 26 GB Linux partition. The standard installation of Xandros would replace Suse, which I do not want. A custom installation could shrink Windows to 6 GB and put Xandros on the remaining 7 GB. That's fine, but can I still boot Suse then?
Robert Best, by email
| LM |
The good news is - yes, you can. Xandros installs its own boot manager, creating entries for all three systems (Xandros, Windows, and Suse) in its boot menu. On boot-up, you can still decide which system you'd like to start.
However, we recommend that you back-up your data prior to re-partitioning your harddisk with the Xandros installer. Changing the partition table is like cardiac surgery, if anything goes wrong you might lose everything.