Dell Masks CPU Feature with BIOS

Here's another argument for the LinuxBios project. BIOS disables CPU Virtualization Feature
An exerpt from a message I posted to a Dell Forum:

We have a Dell SC440 with a Dual Core 2.8 GHz Pressler CPU that Intel says supports the VT feature, but Dell's BIOS doesn't offer a configuration option for virtualization. Under Linux in the /proc/cpu file no vt feature is listed as it should be.

So beware. A dell representative confirmed Intel's info about the CPU being able to support the VT feature. The Dell Representative also mentioned that the SC440 is an entry level system and he initially thought that it would not support such an advanced feature. Now that my Warranty is set to expire at the end of this month I think I should consider the machine defective unless Dell is willing to commit to enabling this in a BIOS upgrade. Incidentally I have upgraded to the August 2007 BIOS (latest available) upgrade for the machine.

Dell, if you will supply a new BIOS that supports this feature I'll let three Linux User Groups which I participate in hear about the positive customer service I've received from Dell.

New Privacy Privilege Needed for Internet Companies

I want Google to be able to protect our information as if it were subject to Attorney-Client privilege. Most companies can't begin to keep all their files organized and could really benefit by using the search technologies that Google offers. To just search your own local network as easily as we search the Internet -- It's a dream come true. But wait! Do we trust Google?

I for one do trust Google. But I don't trust the Government. Therefore I don't trust Google all the way.

I don't trust the Government to not make mistakes confusing my data with someone else's data.

Therefore I want Google to have attorney-client privilege when it comes to the information it has about me and the company I work for.

If Google could have this protective guarantee, I would make the recommendation that our company uses Google to search our internal networks and make them available to us only.

Years ago I was very vocal to my Federal legislators about the importance of allowing encryption technologies to go overseas. It would be a giant savings for businesses to interconnect their offices, it would enable commercial transactions world wide.

Enabling Google to have a stronger trust relationship with it's users would bring about a further revolution in IT. Google has the technology in place to help propel our collaborative efforts exponentially. But the question isn't whether we should trust Google - we can. Should we trust our Government - we can't - unless laws are passed which treat as sacred the information shared between information service providers and their customers.

Sound on Thin Clients

I have been working with Thin Client technologies on Linux for years. Recently however advances in sound in Linux are promising low latency performance necessary for VoIP for thin clients. Still I'm working to see these benefits where I work. I'm looking to see applications like GizmoProject.com work over Nomachine.com's client technology from a knoppix cd against an Ubuntu 7.04 terminal server. I'm seeing some momentum but it's not quite there yet.

I'd also like to see Wine be able to use the audio card of a thin client to use headsets for voice recognition software.

Well these are thoughts. Maybe someone will find them of interest.

BurlingtonLinux.org Uses Google Groups & Apps For Domain

I'm moving the BurlingtonLinux.org web site and its mailing lists over to Google.

Mailing List
http://groups.google.com/group/blinux

Beta Web Page:
http://partnerpage.google.com/burlingtonlinux.org

Remember CopyLeft When Explaining Software Freedom

It dawned on me the other day that in my explanations of the free software movement that I had forgotten to use the word CopyLeft. I suggest that those who wish to advance the cause of free software use the term. People can remember the word easily and it paints a picture and fosters curiosity.