Since ages ago, cdrtools was the default tool-set used for optical disc buring on Linux. Under the hood of those pretty GUI programs like k3b/brasero, was actually cdrtools which did the dirty work.it was being actively developed by a team led by Joerg Schilling.The whole code was licensed under GPL.

One fine Morning,

Mr. Schilling decided to change license to CDDL.This is where everything started to go wrong!

What is the issue?

CDDL license is incompatible with the GPL.The CDDL is intended to be GPL incompatibleso cannot be distributed along with GPL code. Hence, it became illegal for Linux Distributions to redistribute cdrtools.

Debian comes to rescue!

Linux didn’t have any alternative to cdrtools, hence debian project decided to fork last available GPLed code into Cdrkit. they dropped cdrtools and included cdrkit. every major distro like Fedora,Ubuntu,Mandriva supported debian and did the same.debian took the responsibility and start to maintain cdrkit.

Cool, everything finally settled.

No, there is one small problem.CD/DVD burning is a complicated business that needs a lot of knowledge and also requires a lot of development effort which debian does not have.lately, it has been seen cdrkit is not been actively developed (current to last stable was around a year).Addionatlly it is technically inferior to cdrtools.cdrkit still does not generate proper iso-level-3 file systems and has trouble with big file support(the famous 4.3GB data limit in DVD against the real capacity of 4.7GB) .
This is the reason creation of proper blu-ray in linux is so hard.
it seems the developers of cdrkit don’t have the resources/skills to maintain such a complex software.

Guess, we are stuck!

So Choice is what we have in this.If you face problems with cdrkit, there are two options:

1) Built and Install Cdrtools yourself.Source is available at its Home Page. ArchLinux users can get it on aur.

2) (Last Option)Switch to propertiery closed source burning suite:NeroLinux.. if everything fails then only you should go by this route. I would strongly advise you to try choose option 1)

What is the purpose of this post
The purpose of this post if to let the users know the actual situation/state of CD/DVD burning apps in Linux. And let them select which software they want to use.

Related posts:

1. Linux Bible, 2008 > The Linux Bible 2008 Edition is the best first...
2. ArchLinux: Stop dhcp from overwriting resolv.conf(Linux Only) Here is a Quick tip for people using Archlinux: Sometimes...
3. Ubuntu Linux as Family PC We know Linux is a operating system where everything can...

It is my adsense payment cheque, since its my first. so I am pretty excited about it. although, the amount is small but it means to me alot as it has been entirely generated by Gaurish Sharma Live & as you all might know this site has a special place in my heart .  I am thankful to all my readers who did read my random chatter and provided constant feedback so that I would improve.  here is a mandatory picture proof:

Lastly, I would wish you all A Very Happy New Year 2010, Have a great year ahead!

keep reading, there is more to come from my twisted mind.

Related posts:

1. And That’s the First Year that just passed……. YAY!…I am in second year now. I have almost(results not...
2. Strike the Correct Balance Dear Readers, As you might have noticed by diminishing flow...
3. FREE 1 Year Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 Genuine License Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 is the all-in-one security solution that...

Looking current restrictive practices being followed in DTH industry
I wonder if its just me or every is not happy with the way things are?

Basically I have objections on two points:

1)  Lack of interoperability:when you buy DTH service, you locked into a operator for indefinitely period of time.if you decide to change the service, your current equipment(STB or Dish) for which you payed a steep amount can’t be re-used. you again have buy a new equipment from new DTH service provider to whom you are switching. again,its a consumer who takes the financial burden.

mostly likely, people would not switch service provider inorder to avoid this unnecessary expense. dth operators know this fact and often take undue advantage. they roll out services with lower tarrifs and increase it later on and their subscribers can’t do anything about it because they are locked into the service.

2) Contact terms and other bad practices: have you ever read how anti-consumer polices these DTH operators follow, two name a few:-

• • Blocking off all channels including Free-to-air(FTA) channels when customers does not renew their subscription. effectively, they are asking you pay even for Free channels which is wrong and unethical.

Terms from Sun direct’s Website, same practice is followed by all other operartors:
Free channels which are available on Sun Direct Platform. Sun Direct has the rights for modification and can remove these channels if they turn pay or charge separately for the same.

• • changing package cost or channels in your package without user’s consent.yes, you heard that right. DTH operators can remove your favorite channel from your package or increase the cost and the worst part part is they don’t need your permission to do so. lastly, you can’t do anything as you agreed to this as part of contract you signed when you brought the service.for example, see the below statements on almost all major dth operators websites.

Tata Sky Ltd. reserves the right to add or drop a channel/ package/ service from any package and/or change the package rates.

“DISHTV reserves the right to add / drop a channel / package / service from any package and / or change the package rates.”

Sun direct: “Channels lists and packages are subject to change without prior notice.”

• • closed source firmware and complete lockdown: DTH operators have made every effort possible so that customers cannot use third party STB like dreambox in attempt to maintain their monopoly. so customers are forced to use cheap Chinese STBs which result in poor video quality and the problem increase when you are using large screen LCDs.

What Is the Government Doing?

Nothing! because Govt itself is confused. as per law at present mandates interoperability between DTH operators, the same is not practically possible in today’s DTH marketplace. Currently, the two oldest DTH operators, Tata Sky and Dish TV are using the MPEG 2 technology for their regular set top boxes while the recently launched like ADAG’s Big TV DTH, Bharti etc are using MPEG 4 technology.The information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry wants the STB of DTH service providers based on the two prevailing compression technologies (MPEG 2 and MPEG 4) to be interoperable, a proposal not feasible. while shifting across DTH operators within the same technology is possible, and moving from MPEG 4 to MPEG 2 is also possible for a subscriber while retaining his set-top box, migration from MPEG 2 to MPEG 4 is not technologically possible. in essence,present Law cannot be implemented. so Govt is confused and sent the matter to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS was asked to form a Indian standard for all STBs for DTH,IPTV,CAS etc but till date it has only managed to get a draft. as a fact, India does not have any Standard for DTH STBs. hence everything is left at operators, which give importance to their profits than bothering about consumer interests.

What it should be like

DTH market should free from any kind of contracts, one should be able to buy a STB and service separately. if you want to switch to a  new operator all you need to do is buy a new Viewing Card and existing installed equipment can be used. thereby avoiding the hassle of installation and saving cost of new equipment. this would increase healthy completion  among the dth players and would led to lower tariffs. for example, take Mobile industry, you buy a handset of your choice and then service which suits you the best; separately giving you a power of “choice”. this makes “customer the king”.And look how this practice has led to multi-billion telecom industry. this is the reason be have lowest call rates in the world.Infact I am proud how the telecom industry works, its more FREE than system in developed markets like US.

In short, we need a Indian standard which should be implemented, so that DTH industry be Free of restrictive practices. I hope BIS is able to form a standard soon and Govt abides all players to abide by it.

Related posts:

1. Indian Govt makes Registration of Wi-Fi Compulsory for all There is a recent circular issued by Department of Telecommunications...

Further, Downloading during Night Unlimited (200-800hrs) is no longer free on new plans. I sincerely hope that bsnl does not remove free night unlimited feature from its current plans.

And if you still want to see those “crappy plans”. see below :

High Tariffs + Limited Unlimited Plan + Slow speeds  = Sad State of Broadband in India Desperately hoping for some Change

Related posts:

1. [BSNL Broadband] Double Broadband usage offer for November,2008 All Bsnl Broadband users Rejoice!, Bsnl has come up...
2. Bsnl Quietly Slashes Broadband Modem Charges BSNL has once again reduced charges for broadband modems...
3. Solution:Some Random sites do not open with BSNL Broadband BSNL Broadband is a broadband internet service from state...

you can do for any plan and get one time $25off. I suggest you to sign-up for their most popular “Baby Plan”.
which gives

UNLIMITED diskspace
UNLIMITED Bandwidth
UNLIMITED websites

One thing I can assure you with HG is, they are reliable provider with great uptime. you should defiantly try them at once.

This is completely free for first month, so you can try their services.
* Go to www.HostGator.com

* Click on Web Hosting
* Click Select Baby Plan and click order now
* Enter the domain you want to register(its free)
* now just enter coupon “websitemag” and checkout.  you will get zero amount like this

* Now to click on “Continue >>”
* Enter your details(Real ones, they verify it) if you enter wrong details. they would delete your account.
* After entering your details,  select Paypal and checkout.

* your invoice would generated and you will have account details sent to you e-mail address

You will have a domain + hosting for FREE!!!

Link: Hostgator web hosting

[Update]

The domain is no longer free and hostgator is putting a charge for domain fees after you complete order. But still hosting is free. So I suggest you grab the offer and claim 1month of Unlimited hosting. else this might be gone too.

Related posts:

1. Dreamhost March Sale – 92% discount on Hosting The Dreamhost Discount Offer is back~! Get 92% off on...
2. Get Free Web-hosting Account of ExperTrio Preshit Deorukhkar who Blogs at Preshit.net is Giving away 5...
3. Domain names from Yahoo for $1.99 [Hot Deals] Get new Domain name registration from Yahoo! for $1.99USD....

A photograph has touched off a flurry of media commentary — and bad puns — after U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy were caught casting their gaze in the direction of a passing teenager.

In the photo, the world leaders’ heads are turned to catch the “pink-satin-draped booty of a 17-year-old junior G8 delegate,” according to the New York Post, a shot that the Drudge Report website dubbed the “second stimulus package.” The girl is reported to be Mayora Tavares of Brazil, who was one of several junior delegates who had assembled for a group photograph.

Afterall, Men would Men

Now you can take your data card anywhere in India and browse internet, the only condition is that area should have a CDMA network nearby. earlier, bsnl data card(NIC/EvDO) only used to work in subscribers home state. this feature makes bsnl data a true Internet-on-Go Solution. till now anyone needing national roaming had to depend on upon their crawling GPRS connections or internet card from Tata  & Reliance which costs a bomb compared to bsnl affordable data card. By enabling romaing is trying to compete with private telecom operators who provide nationwide wireless data service.

Now The Bad news is:
Bsnl has hiked monthly rentals by 15% for all customers. this hike is effective immediate for new customers. for existing customers, there is no change for now and would count getting billed at old price. but after six months; from January 2010. they would be burdened with increased prices.the revised rentals are as under :

Even after price increase BSNL evdo is a value for money product. I would recommend it to all looking for internet-on-go solution.

Link: BSNL Data card Tariff & Other Details

Related posts:

1. Bsnl Evdo Data card Drivers Download driver software for bsnl Evdo data card.Although these drivers...
2. Everything About BSNL EvDO Data Card What is Evdo Data Card? In Simple terms, EvDo...
3. Bsnl Quietly Slashes Broadband Modem Charges BSNL has once again reduced charges for broadband modems...

According to our host, it was due to hardware problem with server specifically faulty
RAID card. the fault component is now has been replaced and hopefully there won’t be any more Outages in future!

Keep Reading and Sorry for inconvenience caused

You can register new .com for just $.6.99. though, its greater than yahoo but there is no risk that you have to high renewal price if you forgot to transfer, in case of yahoo.

To avail this offer, you have to use coupon code yhkw105a.

Link: Godaddy – Domain name Registrations

Coupon:yhkw105a

Related posts:

1. [Hot Deals] Get .IN Domains from Mitsu for Just Rs.200 Promotional offer for .In Domains, valid till 31st march 2009...
2. Domain names from Yahoo for $1.99 [Hot Deals] Get new Domain name registration from Yahoo! for $1.99USD....
3. Dreamhost March Sale – 92% discount on Hosting The Dreamhost Discount Offer is back~! Get 92% off on...

I believe it was the first time, such kind of event was happening in Jaipur. there was mad rush for the event & people even came from outside Jaipur as well. online registrations were above 300, which was many times than expected.

About the Event

The whole event was organized in just 10days by enthusiastic member of lug-Jaipur and supportive students of JECRC.  speakers were free software developers from various parts of India. the talks were ranging basic topics like “how to communicate on internet effectively” and to some advanced topics like Embedded systems. Besides the main talk there here hands-on sessions called hackfests.

Day 1

Reached the Venue at 6:00PM, had no problems finding the venue thanks to easy instructions posted on their website. Event was start by a singing Free Software Song and blowing balloons called “Winblows” . Boy! what were they thinking?

After this,  we were told to proceed to Labs for the talk by speakers.I had trouble finding correct lab since they are too many and without guidance it was hell lot of confusing. somehow I ended up in LAB-three. there the topic was “i-want-2-do-project-tell-me-wat-2-do-fedora” by speaker called  Shakthi Kannan. the lab was well equipped with projector,AC and most important all machines were running fedora! Sessions started with all of us introducing ourselves. the talk was quite long but not boring. after session was over, there were hackfest scheduled from 10pm to 2:00AM. unfortunately, i couldn’t stay for that long.

Day 1 was awesome, event was well organized and everything was preplanned. since i had such a good experience  – I decided to return for day 2.

Day 2

In Morning, I reached On time. to my surprise the event got delayed by 1hr. so i waited,waited and waited. finally we were called at about 10:40AM for talk by Lalith Suresh. If i remember correctly, he is not speaker’s panel, which was little. he told us about Open Source and its Ideology,how projects work, how can we contribute etc.the talk filled with helpful information and how can one contribute. a welcome surprise! I liked his style and Deadly PJs.The  two girlfriend theory  = high availability was pwnage!!

One thing I noticed and liked on day1 as well on day2 that the umber geek T-Shirts  guys were wearing. i liked one on which “127.0.01” was written. Simple and Geeky!

Next was Session by Shakthi Kannan titled – Badam Halwa of Embedded Systems.the presentation was interesting and well researched. i really appreciate all the effort he’s putting into it! Infact his talk was so good, that i decided to attend next talk  as well. during next talk, we had a announcement that some talk are rescheduled.

Sad news, one talk on Linux security which was looking to attend was dropped. due to changes, i had plenty of time to socialize. I even made a few friends there. After that we had a hand-on session on IRC and a talk on Distributed & fail-safe computing.

Conclusion

A event on Technology, that too on Free and Open Source is Dream Come true for me. Ask Why?

Because I always saw such kinds of event happening other bigger cities like mumbai,pune  and used to think when can we have something like this in jaipur. I want to thank all who made it possible and Jai pandya for letting me in

Hopefully, next year it would bigger and better. maybe a national level event – possible. who knows.

As a custom, here are some pics from the event: