Debian and Ubuntu are moving to update all C++ packages with GCC5, which was released in April. GCC stands for Gnu Compiler Collection, and it is used to convert source code to executable code and libraries. These compilers are used to build everything from the Linux kernel to user applications, so it's a far-reaching change.

Although the Linux kernel forms the beating heart of the Android operating system, it's still a very different platform from most distros. In fact, beyond the kernel, most of the libraries, services and applications are completely different. While there are hundreds of different Linux distros out there, they all share components from the GNU project.

In the world of FOSS, a small change to a license can be a big deal. For users of proprietary software, changes in the EULA are hardly even registered. Those users click "Ok" and forget about it in the blink of an eye. They have accepted that they are severely limited as far as their rights to alter or redistribute the software is concerned.

Version 4.1 of the Linux kernel was released this week, and it includes a number of new features in the following areas.

Cinnamon, one the default desktops of Linux Mint (alongside Mate) has recently been updated. Version 2.6 has a boatload of fixes, tweaks and improvements. Here are some of them:

The "Internet of Things," or IoT, has the potential to change the way we interact with the devices and objects in our homes and lives. The IoT is the idea that all of the devices and gadgets that you interact with could be connected to the internet.

DivvyCloud, a fast growing McLean, VA cloud management technology company, has been included in “2015 Cool Vendors” for Cloud Management by Gartner. The report finds “next-generation cloud management architectures are becoming easier to use and implement.

Linux has a well deserved reputation as being one of the most secure platforms for individuals and businesses. This is largely due to the way security is integrated into the system, but there is a great risk in being too complacent. Recent events serve to remind us that there is no such thing as an uncrackable system.

With a new version of Debian recently released, it's an exciting time for users who long for newer applications and cutting-edge features. But for some users, the new release is a cause for concern.

On April 23, 2015, Ubuntu version 15.04 (code-named Vivid Vervet) was released. This is an important release, although superficially it looks much the same as the previous version. The real difference is "under the skin", as Ubuntu switches from the Upstart init system to systemd.

As Linux version 4.0 was released on 15 April, one of the most discussed new features to be included in this release is "no reboot" kernel patching.

Originally this article’s purpose was to discuss all the exciting happenings surrounding the 2015 International CES “Internet of Things” Showcase in Las Vegas, Nevada. After all, of the 3600+ exhibitors, there were fully 900 exhibitors with IoT designation at this most-amazing-of-all trade shows, and 170,000 people came through the turnstiles to see the spectacle!

It's Halloween week, and the big names in Linux are determined not to disappoint the trick-or-treaters. No less than three mainline distributions have released new versions this week, led by perennially-loved-and-hated crowd favourite Ubuntu.

This week IBM released a bunch of new hardware, including 8 new Power Systems, 3 PureSystems models, and new storage technology. This is good news for small and medium businesses, because it means the same powerful hardware that powers Watson (https://www-03.ibm.com/innovation/us/watson/) is now available at prices designed to compete with commodity hardware from other vendors.

The Southern California Linux Expo SCALE 11X has just announced that popular Linux Journal columnist, Kyle Rankin, will give the second keynote at the expo in February.

*Update*  Congratulations to our winners: Marc R., Elizabeth S., Patrick D., Trey D., and Steve A.

Wednesday, July 17, at the O'Reilly Open Source Conference in Portland, Oregon, the Open Source Initiative (OSI) announced a new initiative to open up the organization to individual members. Historically, the organization was open only to affiliate members, so this announcement marks a significant new direction for the open-source advocate.

Augmented reality artist/developer, Nathan Shafer, has plans to illustrate the history of Exit Glacier in Seward, Alaska via 3D modeling using popular open source modeling software, Blender.

Last night, as I was perusing social media, a post from a friend caught my attention. It seems that the web-types at Kogan, an online electronics retailer in Australia and the UK, have tired of the additional work required to support Internet Explorer 7, and to even the score, have imposed a 6.8% tax on shoppers using IE7.

The first ever Blue Drop Awards for excellence in Drupal development were announced yesterday. Organized and led by Ben Finklea of Volacci, the awards were both a community effort to celebrate the great work of Drupal Developers, and also a vehicle for Drupal and open source evangelism.