ubuntu 8.04

I just wonder, how great this has become. Just last week I installed latest ubuntu 8.04 to my CF-W7 and even it's fresh, it's still working good.

I also installed vmware server (not so easy, but should be in future when repositories have it), integrated 3G module and some other programs I need daily.

My current business relies heavily into usage of ubuntu and various other open source components and I have never felt so good with this. So big thanks to ubuntu teams!

ubuntu in business

I must say once again, that ubuntu works like a charm in my business environment. Thunderbird servers as GPG'ed email client between our team, ssh tunnels gives me an encrypted access to servers and applications and vmware runs that one windows computer as virtual one, which I do need.

It's simple and very efficient, no more license counting or activation troubles. Install, expand and use.

Trip with CF-W7

Last week I spent good while with my new work horse Panasonic CF-W7. I managed to get 3G working among other things and while waiting next Ubuntu release I think I found my next tool.

From my experience, I see strong opportunity for this kind of all in one light notebook. It's not ideal for coding, but business related actions are more pleasant with this.

Ubuntu experiments in dynamic world

I don't know how I have manage always to get into constant state of change. Now I have found myself in changing mobile computer once again, due the fact that my HP6710 has become so precisions that I have to leave it home when departing.

I acquired new Panasonic CF-W7 laptop and installed ubuntu from scratch. I tarred my project directories, thunderbird and gpg keys. And I am on the run.

I just wonder, if I have to do this with windows, I could spend days to installing that Office and other proprietary softwares and struggle with activation/registration nightmare. Now I have platform with all necessary capabilities in base system and user data and some minor applications needs to be installed before switch.

See you, Microsoft.

Panasonic CF-W7 with Ubuntu

While spinning real fast, I managed to acquire Panasonic Toughbook CF-W7 for traveling computer. With 2 G memory, small form factor and integrated 3G module.

I think hardware is great, but as Panasonic and Novatel cannot support Linux, I ended up again into hacking things up. I noticed that vendor and product id's of integrated Expedite EU870D module are like: 1410:2420. I can access module with minicom in Ubuntu after I load usbserial module with: "modprobe usbserial vendor=0x1410 product=0x2420" - but still, I think Novatel sucks a lot.

It cannot support any AT command which I happen to know and responses from Panasonic and Novatel are like; "Give us an NDA and we reveal more". Hey, I just want my computer up and running!

But anyway, I noticed that community is doing great job. They already included new product and vendor id's into usbserial module option.c and forthcoming kernels can do tricks once again and without any NDA crap from Panasonic and Novatel. (I also wonder how it ended, Novatel's recruiting for Linux expertise which was on their site a year ago?). And to make story perfect, I have not heard a thing from Novatel support about the Linux and AT command support (submitted at 21.2.2008).

But one thing keeps me happy and it's Finland toughbook team. Great guys with good attitude!