Linux on UEFI Windows 8 PCs, yes please

There is some great news for us Linux and Free Open Source Software (FOSS) advocates, there's a new tool that will let you run Linux on devices built for Microsoft's Windows 8. The Linux Foundation Secure Boot System will allow Linux to run on computers using the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware.

Microsoft's Windows 8 runs on new hardware controlled by UEFI firmware, which provides "secure-boot" technology. Although UEFI seeks to secure computers against malware by requiring a trusted key before booting, it has presented problems for other operating systems. Many in the Linux community feared that OEM may not provide a UEFI off-switch, effectively barring Linux from running on UEFI-enabled machines but now the latest releases of many major Linux distributions include a bootloader to work with UEFI, such as Ubuntu 12.10 and Fedora 18.

Linux Foundation technical advisory board member James Bottomley has been quoted saying the following, "The Linux Foundation wishes not only to enable Linux to keep booting in the face of the new wave of secure boot systems, but also enable those technically savvy users who wish to do so to actually take control of the secure boot process by installing their own platform key. The Linux Foundation bootloader provides a hash code certified by Microsoft, and supports the infrastructure to boot a generic Linux kernel. We have in place a protocol where Microsoft hands off the initial Microsoft signed EFI binary load to separately verified EFI binary chain, which individual distributions control. We did this because our mission is to enable any bootloader in the Linux ecosystem to work with secure boot."

I am very pleased to see there is a work-around for the new UEFI firmware so that I can install Linux on a machine or motherboard destined for Windows 8. Many of the newer motherboards are coming with UEFI and secure boot so this is great news for us Linux users. Does your motherboard have UEFI and secure boot?

-Ubu out

Call of Duty Black Ops II - DOUBLE XP 1/25

The twitter account @treyarch just tweeted out that Call of Duty Black Ops II will have DOUBLE XP for this upcoming weekend. Starting at 10am/PST on January 25th 2013 and going until January 28 at approximately 10am/PST. It will be available for all platforms including Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, and the Wii.

I am very excited about this upcoming weekend because I was planning on pushing the prestige button once another DOUBLE XP weekend came around and here it is! HOORAAHHHH!!!

-Ubu out

Google+ Hangouts improves single broadcaster functionality

Google+ Hangouts has the ability to do a group chat with full video and audio, on the web or in mobile apps, for free which is unmatched by any other service. Group chat is great but sometimes you may want to broadcast just yourself, previously you would be displayed in the main window but also in a smaller window along the bottom which is the participant strip. If you think about it, it was quite useless to have the participant strip along the bottom if you were the only person in the hangout.

Now, for these single participant streams, Google is making it possible to push the video to the entire window, maximizing the used space. It is now the default functionality, Google has updated their Google+ Hangouts functionality so that when there is only 1 broadcaster in the hangout, they are now presented in a full window.

I think this is a great feature which will allow the screen space to utilized by a broadcaster to it's fullest potential. Hopefully someday soon I will host a Google+ Hangout to chat technology related things with my subscribers and twitter followers.

-Ubu out

Ubuntu counting down to something HOT!

If you go to www.ubuntu.com quickly you'll see a counter which is counting down to approximately noon Central time or 1 pm Eastern time.

There hasn't been any information leaked as to what it will be but the page with the timer has the following statement around the clock, "So close, you can almost touch it." Which leads me to believe they are releasing a "touch" enabled device to the public.

With the Unity interface already appearing as a touch friendly interface, I would not be surprised to see Ubuntu on mobile and tablets within the very near future. In fact, back in late 2011, Mark Shuttleworth, who is the owner of Canonical, stated in a blog, "By spring of 2014, version 14.04 LTS "will power tablets, phones, and smart screens from the car to the office kitchen, and it will connect those devices cleanly and seemlessly to the desktop, ther server, and the cloud."

What do you think will be revealed in less then an hours time by Ubuntu?

UPDATE: Ubuntu for phones is what the announcement was. You can learn more about it HERE. I suggest you watch this awesome video to learn more about Ubuntu being on ALL devices eventually. It's a virtual keynote speech by Mark Shuttleworth.

-Ubu out

Skype offering FREE world calling for a month

Skype is offering 1 month of their best services for FREE.

This is includes FREE unlimited worldwide calling to anyone with a landline in over 40 countries and 7 countries for mobile phone numbers, including the United States and Canada. You can also get up to 10 people together within the same video group call. Another great feature included is screen sharing which allows for helping others with computer issues or showing locally stored photos to family and friends. Plus you'll get everything else included in Skype Premium, including one-to-one customer support.

There's even a Skype client for Linux, I am using it within Xubuntu 12.04 as we speak. So what are you waiting for, now is the time to take advantage of this FREE offer from Skype to finally try out all it's features.

-Ubu out

Gmail voice calls remain free for 2013

Were you even aware that if you have a Gmail email account that you can talk to other Gmail users via voice and video? You certainly can using Google's VOIP service within Gmail. See photo to the right, the little phone handset symbol toward the lower half of the picture allows for both voice and video chatting similar to Skype.

It will remain free of charge for calls within the United States and Canada in 2013. A note on the Gmail blog announced this on December 26, 2012.

There are several clients that can utilize the Google Talk feature on moble phones, for instance Vtok for iOS allows me to make a VOIP call to anyone in my Gmail address book. It would be considered data usage so be sure to check what your data plan limits are.

I am glad Google is continuing to provide this feature for free, it allows for calling long distance relatives much cheaper then using a long distance service provider.

-Ubu out

Why should you try Linux?

Many people use operating systems such as Windows or OS X merely because it came installed on the computer they purchased. Have you ever considered using Linux? There are many reasons to give Linux a try and below I will go over 5 of the main reasons I feel someone should at least try Linux at some point or another.

It works on old hardware. If you have an older computer that you're not quite sure what to do with, Linux can give it new life. You might for instance, use a Linux distribution to turn an older computer into a media file server to have a centralized location for all your media.

It's highly customizable. As with other operating systems, it's possible to customize Linux to look the way you would like it to look. If you don't like the desktop environment that came with the Linux distribution you installed then you can just install a different one without having to do a total new installation.

Tinkering with it provides an opportunity to learn. I will be the first to admit that the learning curve for Linux is pretty high BUT the community of the more popular Linux distributions are great and many are eager to help out newby usrs. For instance, Ubuntu has a great community over at their forums.

There's a wide variety of distributions available. If you downloaded one and didn't like the way it looked or for whatever reason, there are so many different Linux distributions out there that there will certainly be something for everyone. As I mentioned already, if you don't like just a few things within it you can customize it.

It's FREE to download and use. You can't really argue with FREE. All that one has to do is download the .iso file and write the image to a cd, dvd, or usb stick depending on the size of the .iso.

I hope that the reasons I have explained above convince you in at least trying a Linux distribution at some point and something I didn't mention is that you can just "try" them out from a live cd or a live usb without affecting your currently installed OS at all.

-Ubu out

Dropbox 2.0 for iOS

Those that aren't familiar with Dropbox, it's a personal cloud storage location for any type of file you would like to store in the cloud. There are Dropbox clients for Windows, OS X, Linux, and mobile. Dropbox can keep all those devices in sync with each other.

They just released an updated version for iOS which now incorporates a dedicated Photos tab. The panel organizes photos by the time taken and offers a full-screen mode for showing photos off to friends. There is even a setting to have your photos taken auto-upload to a Dropbox folder if you so choose. The Android client with this feature is currently only in BETA form.

I use Dropbox to store files I may need with me out in the world so at any time I can log in to a web browser and retrieve my files if needed. And since I have it installed on my iPhone 4S I can always email or send any file from my iPhone to anyone I want. Example would be sending your resume and references to a potential employer. Dropbox has a referral program so if you do sign up for Dropbox mention that you were referred by me, ubuntuaddictedubu@gmail.com and I will receive extra free storage space I would be very grateful.

-Ubu out

Humble Bundle 7 - Linux Games

Those who aren't familiar with what the Humble Bundle is, it's a series of collections of video games, music albums, ebooks, or videos that are sold and distributed online at a price determined by the purchaser. In lamens terms that means, YOU get to pay what you want for the bundle of items. They are generally cross platform as well meaning they are many times compatible with Windows, OS X, and Linux. You can divide up the money you pay between the developers, the EFF and Child’s Play Charity, and the Humble Indie Bundle operation itself.

Humble Bundle 7 was released on December 19, 2012. It has 6 games and 1 movie: Snapshot, The Binding of Isaac, Closure, and Shank 2 are the bundle’s core games, and Indie Game: The Movie is a full-length documentary about the process of making an indie game. You can pay what you want, but if you pay more than the average you’ll get Dungeon Defenders and Legend of Grimrock as well. You also get the game soundtracks.

I paid $15 for the bundle and tried out Snapshot, Shank 2, Closure, and Legend of Grimrock which makes my $15 investment well worth it. Closure opens but only displays a black screen so I am not sure of it's compatibility with Linux. The other games all worked within Xubuntu 12.04. I was able to easily install them by clicking on the link which then opens them up within the Ubuntu Software Center.

Unfortunately Dungeon Defenders is over Ubuntus current size limit and Binding of Isac declined to make the game available. Either way you get 3 games (that work in Xubuntu 12.04), an Indie Game movie, and the game soundtracks all for whatever you want to pay. Seems like a great deal to me. You can get your bundle as well HERE.

-Ubu out

Steam for Linux BETA now open to public

On December 13th I mentioned that the BETA Steam for Linux was going to be opening up to the public, well now it's official.

Steam for Linux BETA requires Ubuntu 12.04 or higher. Over time, the client will be available for other Linux distro's as well.

Current users will need to update their application, while new users can download from the Steam Linux website.

-Ubu out

YouTube Capture - Easily share video from iDevices

Google has released an app currently only available for iPhones and iPads. It's called YouTube Capture.

YouTube Capture allows you to record and easily share your recording straight from your iPhone or iPad to your YouTube channel. It has functions for color correction and stabilization in case you're shaky when you record what you want to share. It also allows you to trim off sections from the beginning or the end of the video right within the app.

This little app will allow blogs to be captured and shared more easily now. I think it's a neat little app!

-Ubu out

Black Ops II - Dec 8th Patch Details

For those of you that aren't aware I have a YouTube channel where I put up either vidoe blogs or gameplay with commentaries, most times of the latest Call of Duty released. Well on December 8th, 2012 Treyarch released a very significant patch for their latest title Black Ops II. Among bug fixes they have "nerfed" (make less powerful) many guns that the community was claiming to be too powerful and make the game unfair for those using them. In this video I detail out every single patch that came to Xbox 360 on the 8th. Hope you enjoy and if so, leave a rating and share with your friends. 

-Ubu out

Steam for Linux finally opening up the BETA

Steam for Linux is finally opening up the BETA to the public next week after a short month+ long limited BETA.

Valve is stating that the stability of the client is allowing them to open up the BETA to more users. In a message they wrote to the closed Steam for Linux Mailing List they state, "The Open BETA will be available to the public and will increase the current population from 80K to a higher number."

System requirements for some Linux games are now being listed within the Steam Store.
Game developers are being encouraged to submit their "minimum" and "recommended" System Requirements to Valve for publishing 'ASAP'. Below is a list of just some of the titles that are available for Linux currently;
     -Amnesia
     -Dynamite Jack
     -Eversion
     -iBomber Attack
     -Killing Floor
     -Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45
     -Serious Sam 3: BFE (I already purchased this one for a mere $9.99)
     -Sword & Sworcery
     -The Book of Unwritten Tales: The Critter Chronicles
     -World of Goo

I am very excited to see Steam come to Linux which will only make Linux gaming increase as a whole

-Ubu out

"Ubu your Tech Guru" GFX and misc services provided

I do all my tweeting, twitvids, photo contests, giveaways while being mobile, my iPhone 4 is a BEAST. I downloaded the free app called BEAST MODE ENGAGED, nuff said. Join UbuntuAddicted in his quest to go VIRAL.

Twitter
Pease follow me on twitter which is the same handle as my YouTube Channel, re-tweet those you enjoyed reading and my RT requests.

YouTube
Content to come! Exciting times for @UbuntuAddicted;
-All things technologically advanced
-Speed art videos using GIMP
-Computer hardware upgrades
-Apple TV hacking to run XBMC
-How to get the MOST from your iPhone 4 (hands on video showing Jail Break 5.0.1 - if it's legal? :))
-Video showing how to flash the TSOP of the certain models of Original Xbox to run original XBMC (not recommended as that project has been abandoned due to XBMC port to Windows and Linux)
-Ubu Command Center Setup video
+tons more

Services Provided
-Backgrounds - YouTube (partnered or not) - Twitter - Blogspot....just ask and I may be able to help
-MythTV/Mythweb setup, administration, and maintainance (Analog PVR-350 and PVR-500 TV Cards still :(  )
-Depending on anticipated traffic amount and site size, HOSTING as well (if legal - lol)
-Capturing your Call of Duty theater mode playback, editing it, uploading to my dropbox (currently only 480p BUT soon to be 720p)
-Ubuntu help (Installing, configuring, and maintaining)
-Just about anything TECH related, just ask!!

UbuntuAddicted sets his 2012 goals

Ubu is a 32 year old adult Xbox 360 gamer who enjoys teaching himself new skills. He is a family man, a self-taught technical guru of almost all things (if not already will teach myself), an Ubuntu and FOSS advocate who was intrigued to learn about video game capture within Ubuntu Linux.

Over 1.5 years later Ubu is a social media power user on twitter and soon realized the important of networking within YouTube just like you would do for a traditional career. 

I am on most social media networks and attempting to create my social media foundation from twitter and work upwards from there, claw and fight my way into what seems like a closed-knit clique of YouTube celebraties. I am confident that with my skill set, I can offer something others can not or do not wish to. Example: Whiteboy7thSt apartment was broken into while he was away. I can help protect him better by installing a whole DVR type Security System or even a trigger system so he his notified via email when someone enters his home using, this with motion sensors. Another example was that Ons1augh7 and Bash had websites created and hosted on GoDaddy, whoever the website creator was didn't realize that both of their personal info was left in plain view within in the "whois" database so I easily found their full names and address. Did I use the information malisouly? NO, I informed them they need to get the admin in charge of their sites to change what the "whois" database shows about them.

By the end of 2012 I have a goal to be partnered with Youtube as well as Machinima and still use a 480p capture card. IF money comes in where I can justify an HD capture card it will be the Haugpauge Collosis versus the external HD-PVR. Check out xxSrcxxx COD YT channel as that's what he uses and it's some sick ass quality. It's $30 cheaper as well.

Wish me luck