First Experience with CrossOver Linux

Last week, Codeweavers, a company that aims to see Windows-based software running on both Mac OS X and Linux, decided to give away all their software since gas prices plummeted (or something), and not one to sit on the sidelines, I decided to put my name in for a code and finally give their solutions a try.

All of Codeweavers' products utilize Wine at their base to enable the emulation, but they have various enhancements that allow easier installation and compatibility. In my short time with both Crossover Games and Crossover Linux, I am pleased overall, although I have a lot more testing to take care of before I can realistically conclude on how much of a lifesaver they are, since most applications they support are known to run in standard Wine with some tweaking.

One application in particular that I've never been able to see running under Wine can be seen in the below image. Whenever I've tried to install Office 2007 in the past, with a standard Wine install, the setup process would error out before it could finish. Not here, and as you can see, both Excel and Word look great.

I actually have to admit that Office 2007 works a lot better than I expected it to. Over the course of a half-hour, the application didn't hang up once, or ever felt unstable. I even ran a 70MB file through Excel and it kept on truckin'. I'm rather impressed. Sadly, there's one slight issue that will still force me into rebooting into Windows: fonts. Yes, the font-rendering is not perfect, and to me, that matters (especially when the graphs are used directly in our reviews!).

I'll be giving Crossover Games and Linux a more thorough look over the course of the next week and will report new findings when I have something useful to say.

CodeWeavers is the leading corporate backer of the Wine Project. Wine is an open source software initiative that is systematically re-implementing the Win32 API under Unix. Wine makes it possible for PCs running Unix-based operating systems (like OS X and Linux) to run Windows application as if natively.

Source: Codeweavers Homepage

Amazon Aims to Rid "Wrap Rage"

Running to pick up a cool new gadget or even something simple, like a PC microphone, can be a fun experience. At least until you realize that you need a machete to tear through the tightly-sealed clamshell packaging. Though I don't have quotes, I do recall at one point reading that multiple people are rushed to the emergency room each year simply because they cut themselves bad enough on this packaging. Nuts!

Well I think it goes without saying that this type of packaging is needless. While it normally does do a great job in keeping our latest toys protected, it's needless that the only way to open them is with a box cutter or scissors. Luckily enough, it seems Amazon is keen to eliminate this packaging as well, and have launched a new program called "Frustration-Free Packaging", where they work with manufacturers to use simpler packaging that might not look as snazzy, but is far easier to open. Oh, and an added bonus is that it uses way less material.

All I can say is, "about time!", and I really hope to see this catch on fast. I'll admit that while typical packaging looks great, there is so much waste, and as we can see here, it's really not needed. So far, companies to jump on board are Mattel, Fisher-Price, Microsoft and Transcend... with hopefully more en route.

Amazon is working with leading manufacturers to deliver products inside smaller, easy-to-open, recyclable cardboard boxes with less packaging material (and no frustrating plastic clamshells or wire ties). One of the first products to launch with Frustration-Free Packaging is the Fisher-Price Imaginext Adventures Pirate Ship, which is now delivered in an easy-to-open, recyclable cardboard box.

Source: Amazon "Frustration-Free Packaging" Page

Tech Roundup - November 5, 2008

Motherboards & Processors
• ASRock G43Twins-FullHD - Phoronix
• Asus M3A79-T Deluxe - InsideHW
• Gigabyte EP45-EXTREME - Overclock3D

Displays & Video Cards
• Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 - Benchmark Reviews
• Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 - ClubOC
• Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 - OCModShop
• Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 - Overclockers Club
• Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 - Pro-Clockers
• Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 - techPowerUp!

Cooling
• Gelid Silent Spirit CPU Cooler - DragonSteelMods
• Noctua NF-P12 Cooling Fan - Hardware Bistro
• OCZ Gladiator Max HDT CPU Cooler - Legit Reviews

Chassis & Power Supplies
• Antec Signature 650W Power Supply - Overclockers Online
• OCZ ModXStream-Pro 600w Power Supply - Virtual-Hideout
• Silver Power SP-600A2C Power Supply - Bjorn3D
• Thermaltake VI-ON 2.5-inch USB HDD Enclosure - TweakTown
• XIGMATEK NRP-HC1201 1200W PSU - Technic3D

Competitions, Complete Systems & Et cetera
• Holiday Preview: Digital Cameras and Camcorders - Digital Trends
• Mio Moov 310 GPS - Digital Trends
• Samsung Epix SGH-i907 Cell Phone - TestFreaks