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Filed under: OS Updates, Features, Linux, Open Source, Troubleshooting

Flipping the Linux switch: 5 tips every new Linux user should know

Linux is a powerful operating system, but chances are it's a very different operating system than any you've used before. The dizzying number of choices in distributions alone is enough to make your head spin, but it also means there's something out there that really suits your computing style. There are some things in Linux you just have to work out for yourself -- distributions, applications, neato screen savers (hey, we like distractions as much as the next guy).

We're taking a departure from the norm this week and not discussing a specific piece of software. Instead, we've been thinking about what we most wished we'd been told on our first foray into Linux-land. These tips run the gamut from installation planning to how to best ask for help. We chose these tips because they are not distribution-specific, and the majority of new users will at least find a few tips apply to their situation at some point.

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Filed under: Business, Internet, Web services

Get paid to Mahalo

mahalo greenhouseThe once fearless leader of Weblogs Inc has been working hard with his team to develop the Mahalo human based search engine. His team of professional surfers scowers the web searching for the best and most relevant information, without all of the spammy, or non important results.

It takes time to build out the pages, and his team has so far managed to build out an average of 500 pages per week. In an effort to increase the database of top level terms Mahalo supplies to the end user, they are asking for your help, and have started the Mahalo Greenhouse. The Greenhouse has been designed to be where part time talented guides can help to create results based on their specialties. It's open for anyone that wants to contribute, and yes, there is cash involved. (only for US residents however.) Submit an application and cross your fingers, this little part time gig will not only help people find the information they are searching for, but net people anywhere from $10-$15 per search result. Of course the search results submitted will be monitored and approved before it is added to the directory.

Filed under: Internet, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Windows Mobile, Symbian, Palm, Web services, Social Software

Digg user auctions profile on eBay

digg user auctions profile on eBay
Digg user 'Geekforlife' has decided to put his profile, ranked 73rd out of all users, up for auction on eBay. Amidst accusations hurling at both Digg and Netscape for their respective approaches towards the social news site and business models, one of the many debates that has arisen centers around a question: can the participation of these sites' users (especially the top contributors) be measured in dollars and cents? Jason Calacanis (disclosure: our CEO and general manager of the new Netscape) certainly thinks so, as do plenty of other bloggers, such as Ian Betteridge.

Understandably, not everyone is happy with the concept of monetary incentives being inserted into the realm of grassroots social news aggregating, but 'Geekforlife' has apparently been inspired to try out his own take on the situation with this auction. As of this writing, bidding (possibly due to fraud/inflation) is already up to $325 after 27 bids. I guess time will tell as to what, if anything, this little experiment could mean to the social news universe.

Filed under: Internet, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Blogging, Windows Mobile, Symbian, Palm, Social Software

Blogging about someone's app? Tag it with 'freedbacking'

The term certainly doesn't roll off the tongue as well as 'feedback', but in this case, that's an advantage. 'Freedbacking', a melding of 'free' and 'feedback', is a new tag proposed by Lockergnome's Chris Pirillo that bloggers can use to let developers know their apps are being talked about. The idea is that by using a 100% made-up term that search engines have never heard of, users who have something (ideally constructive) to say can get their message to developers much more easily. While most companies and developers already have feedback systems established such as forums and email, a public discourse through blogging and the use of a specialized tag brings the discussion to a whole new level.

At least that's the idea. The new tag, while already being put to use, is still in its infancy, so time will tell as to how widely accepted it becomes and how much value the system offers. I, for one, am excited at the possibility of opening the door between developers and their users just a little bit wider.

[via Wired]

Featured Time Waster

Forumwarz - a potentially offensive time waster

I pwn UAfter spending the better part of an hour on Forumwarz I still can't decide if it's just sick or if it's kind of fun. It's a bit like a car wreck on the highway. I know I shouldn't be looking but I can't quite turn away.

It's sick, it's twisted, it's the internet on it's worst level and darn it, it's kind of fun. At least for a little while.

Forumwarz is a parody role-playing game that takes place on the internet - or at least the Forumwarz version of it. Your goal is to complete missions that are given to you through a mock up of GoogleTalk called Sentrillion.

Your first "friend" is ShallowEsophagus who begins giving you missions to pwn various forums by being a troll. Depending on the character type you are assigned at start up, you have tools like drooling on the keyboard or bashing your head on the keyboard that you can use to destroy forum threads and eventually, pwn a forum.

Future missions involve buying illegal software from the Russians, pwning more difficult forums and other internet oddness.

Completing missions gives you cash, called Flezz in game, and items that you can pawn or use in other missions. The game is NOT for those easily offended. It's crass, coarse and there are frequent f-bombs in the fake chat sessions.

This is also a game for a more mature audience as it requires you to shop at the Drugs R Fun store to get various concoctions to improve your playing, engage in certain cyber activities to get more Flezz and just generally use a more adult perspective.

If you can get past that, here are the more enjoyable and time-wasting aspects.

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