Archives for June 2015

June 29, 2015

Nova OS

Meet Nova OS, Cuba’s Linux-kernel based operating system, built by students of University of Computer Sciences.

The operating system is called Nova OS and the latest available version is 4.0, released March 22, 2013, which is based on Canonical’s Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise Pangolin) and built around the GNOME 3.4 desktop environment.

Yes, that means Nova OS does not use Ubuntu’s Unity user interface, providing users with a traditional layout comprising two panels, using GNOME’s GNOME-Shell interface, but with a custom design.

At the moment, Nova OS 4.0 is distributed in three editions, Escritorio, Ligero, and Servidor. The Escritorio edition is the main one, also known as the Desktop CD, which provides users with a complete GNOME-based desktop environment.

June 22, 2015

Thunderbolt 3 vs USB-C

This is a good read regarding the differences between Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C.

Thunderbolt 3 is backward compatible with USB-C.

All USB-C devices can be plugged into, and will work in, a Thunderbolt 3 port, but it will transfer data at the slower USB-C speed. An easy thing to remember is that Thunderbolt 3 ports are technically backward-compatible with USB-C devices.

Thunderbolt 3, however, is not (necessarily) USB-C compatible. While it’s true that you can physically plug a Thunderbolt 3 device into a USB-C port, it isn’t guaranteed to work. Some Thunderbolt 3 devices, like power adapters, may charge your USB-C-only laptop, but devices that transfer data probably will not. You’ll likely get a message on your laptop screen that the Thunderbolt 3 device is incompatible with the USB-C port.

June 10, 2015

Debian 8.1 Released

Per the Debian website:

The Debian project is pleased to announce the first update of its stable distribution Debian 8 (codename jessie). This update mainly adds corrections for security problems to the stable release, along with a few adjustments for serious problems. Security advisories were already published separately and are referenced where available.

Please note that this update does not constitute a new version of Debian 8 but only updates some of the packages included. There is no need to throw away old jessie CDs or DVDs but only to update via an up-to-date Debian mirror after an installation, to cause any out of date packages to be updated.

Those who frequently install updates from security.debian.org won’t have to update many packages and most updates from security.debian.org are included in this update.

New installation media and CD and DVD images containing updated packages will be available soon at the regular locations.

Upgrading to this revision online is usually done by pointing the aptitude (or apt) package tool (see the sources.list(5) manual page) to one of Debian’s many FTP or HTTP mirrors. A comprehensive list of mirrors is available at:

https://www.debian.org/mirror/list