GNU/Linux - From the history of browsers and toys

Pride Google

Last week proved historic. At the joy of the entire progressive mankind, Google solved the birth of a new browser Chrome. The first beta test, it was decided to those who do not mind, that is exclusively for users of MS Windows. Beta-testing is successful, critical errors were found not only in the program, but even in the licence of the browser. Versions for Linux and Mac users are expected later.

A specially for linuksoidov come up in Google occupation far more interesting than simply discuss Sedo new browser user interface. The Corporation submitted a new engine for the execution of scripts JavaScript V8 (code.google.com/p/v8). This interpreter is not only a direct part Chrome, but also distributed in the form of free code that can be compiled in a separate console application or introduce any program. Personally, I just console version and tested.

V8, without a doubt, is the main pride of Google. To date, this interpreter has shown the highest productivity scripts containing large (hundreds and even thousands of lines) broken code. At the tests proposed by itself Google, V8 demonstrates tenfold superiority over other browsers. In other tests advantage of considerably less, but also has a place to be. Now tasks such as RSA-generation keys for encryption, it is possible to implement directly by the browser.

Of the camps Firefox response did not wait long. In developing versions of "ognelisa" The developers also presented its new version of interpreter scripts TraceMonkey, which is independent versions are not much inferior to V8. And sweet: just having alpha version with the code name Shiretoko 3.1a2 Video Vorbis support is available and, accordingly, tag video (www.mozilla.org/projects/firefox/3.1a2/releasenotes). I then quickly verify these features - and indeed some videos support is present. For a more detailed assessment requires some time for tests.

Not whether as a result of the expansion of Google Internet unipolar when the entire control of the World Network will have one company? After all, and the same develops Firefox, with the direct patronage Google. Judging by the retreat from the idea to "Habre", the Russian and the Internet will not become unipolar. Recently released Yandex jabber-client "Ya Chat", which is based on the source codes of the projects Psi and distributed under licence GPL (nano.yandex.ru/post/26). Customer messaging - is, of course, far from the browser. But Google and once with a small beginning.


Penguin in the autumn feel

At the yard autumn, the children went to school - and means you can bring some findings from the experiment to introduce free software in schools, the Russian Federation. According to the group of companies "Armada", the first in September 2008 free software have been installed in all schools in three pilot regions of Russia - the Republic of Tatarstan, Perm Territory, and Tomsk region (freeschool.altlinux.ru). Just volunteered to join the experiment about two hundred schools from other Russian regions. To date, school-free package of software installed in 1092 schools Russia. "We have not met with any special unforeseen complexities - said Deputy KazUpack" Alt Linux Alexei Novodvorsky. - We are helped regional authorities, and indeed the experience of implementations, including in schools, by the beginning of the project we had a rich".

It is not only confined itself to installing programs. One of the key issues was the introduction of user support. In each pilot region was found a partner organization with expertise and technical support for the introduction of free software. The user can select one of three channels: phone, e-mail form on the site or technical support. The very same support is a three-tier organization, until the user from direct software developers.

Interesting coincidence: at the conclusion of the introduction of ACT in schools, as reported portal CNews, department of information policy "Microsoft Rus" made a proposal, on which many state will be unable to refuse. At the time, Microsoft and the Federal Agency for Education Russian Federation entered into a contract "First Aid" programme on the use of Microsoft on computers all educational institutions of Russia, as well as personal computers teachers. Now, after expiration of the treaty in 2010 schools Russia will be able to buy products Microsoft at a discount of approximately 90-95% of their market value. This is skidochka, so skidochka! Also, Microsoft and encourages other manufacturers to support the initiative for the conservation incentives for Russian schools. In general, the Russian market without a fight redmondsky giant does not intend to surrender.


Just Di

There is a very original programming language D. This is Di Si-like syntax and inherits, according to the authors, all dignity C / C + +, but, again, in the words of the authors of language, deprived of their shortcomings. As the author himself said Walter Bright, Di language - is "a practical language for practical purposes." I do not know, as far as practicable, but Di was immediately аж two standard libraries: Phobos and Tango. In any case, but there are lovers of this "innovative approach", and for them, respectively, came good news: last week updated both the language compiler (www.digitalmars.com/d/1.0/changelog.html).

Personally, I know one of the project, which is created precisely with the assistance of Di. The project is called OpenMW 0.4 and represents free realization engine known role-playing game The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind. Last week, just got a new version 0.4 (openmw.snaptoad.com). Author of the project - a big fan of the game and aims to not only be able to play TES under Linux in native mode, but also to make some changes to the original gameplay and the interface of the game world. At the moment OpenMW can download and tryloywder card enables navigate the world can tryloywder model NPC, but without the animation. In addition to language Di, the author uses a graphical game library OGRE.

Incidentally, it is an interesting idea - to divide "game engine" and "peace game" is divided html-data and browser. This f can then peace will take STALKER and play it on the engine, for example, Unreal Tournament 3. From this perspective, many gamers would not have refused.


Toy Story continues

Not yet managed to appear Debian Lenny, as developers of the Linux distribution is already looking for a name for the next stable version. As we know, there is a historical tradition, founded by Murdoch, given the code name for the stable releases names of characters from the cartoon (Toy Story). As it became known last week, the next version be called "squeeze" - the so-called trehglazogo alien from the cartoon (lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2008/09/msg00000.html).

People are, of course, interested in: that the earlier deadline - Debian distributions or characters from Toy Story? Alas, the answer to this burning issue can only further the history of mankind and computer community.