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Dell has stopped selling home computers pre-installed with the Ubuntu operating system through its website.
The company told computer magazine PC Pro that it would continue to sell laptops and desktop machines pre-loaded with the Linux-based operating system over the phone.
“Dell has offered select consumer systems with Ubuntu pre-installed for more than two years, and is continuing to do so,” said the company in a statement. It said that it had decided to remove the Ubuntu machines from its online sales channel because the platform was better suited to advanced users and computing enthusiasts.
"We’ve recently made an effort to simplify our offerings online, by focusing on our most popular bundles and configuration options, based on customer feedback for reduced complexity and a simple, easy purchase experience,” said Dell. “We’re also making some changes to our Ubuntu pages, and as a result, they are currently available through our phone-based sales only."
Apple could be creating an operating system supported by advertisements, allowing users to obtain the software at a reduced price, or for free, in exchange for being required to view ads.
The patent application for the invention "Advertisement in Operating System" was republished as a continuation this week. It was first revealed last October, and was originally filed for on April 18, 2008. The invention is credited to Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs, as well as Freddy A. Anzures, Mike Matas, Gregory N. Christie and Patrick Coffman.
The application describes an operating system that would present the user with an advertisement, preventing them from doing basic functions on the system for a set period of time. At the conclusion of the advertisement, the user would be able to resume their activities on the machine.
"The operating system can disable one or more functions while the advertisement is being presented," the application reads. "At the end of the advertisement, the operating system can again enable the function(s). The advertisement can be visual or audible. The presentation of the advertisement(s) can be made as part of an approach where the user obtains a good or service, such as the operating system, for free or at reduced cost."
Advertisements could be shown at pre-set intervals, based on an internal timer in the system. Users could also pre-buy additional time to use the computer, allowing them a greater span where they will not be interrupted by an advertisement.
17. What is the Security Update policy?
Microsoft has not changed its Security Update policy:
Business and Development software
Security updates will be available through the end of the Extended Support phase (five years of Mainstream Support plus five years of the Extended Support) at no additional cost for most products. Security updates will be posted on the Microsoft Update Web site during both the Mainstream and the Extended Support phase.
Consumer, Hardware, and Multimedia products
Security updates will be available through the end of the Mainstream Support phase.-Paragraph 17
It's a question that has plagued man for centuries: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Well, scientists in England say they've found the answer: The chicken!
Researchers wrote in a recently published report that it all comes down to one protein - ovocledidin-17 - which helps in the formation of the egg's hard shell.
This essential ingredient in the formation of the egg can only be produced inside a chicken, scientists from universities in Sheffield and Warwick concluded.
"It had long been suspected that the egg came first, but now we have the scientific proof that shows that in fact the chicken came first," said Dr. Colin Freeman, of Sheffield University's Department of Engineering Materials, London’s Daily Mail reports.
While scientists feel this discovery answers an age-old question, it could have practical uses, as well.