“Linux kernel” and “light reading” are not two phrases normally associated with each other. However, IBM developerWorks has a short overview written by M. Tim Jones with lots of color diagrams that provides a painless history and overview that doesn’t require a PhD in Computer Science to understand. It starts with a brief history that includes an interesting chart of the number of source code lines (Y axis) for each major Linux kernel release.

It is amazing to note that the 0.11 kernel consisted of a mere 10,239 lines of code. The 2.6.0 kernel release, by comparison, has nearly 6 million lines of code. The article continues by describing and illustrating Linux’s basic architecture, major subsystems, virtual subsystems, network stack and other key Linux kernel aspects. It ends by providing a rich set of web references that the reader can use to drill down into specific Linux kernel properties. This is a great resource for you to refer to when discussing Linux with those unfamiliar with it.

You can find this overview at: Anatomy of the Linux kernel

»read more from "IBM provides surprisingly readable Linux kernel timeline and overview"

by Donald Melanson, posted Jul 30th 2008 at 1:37PM
Netgear looks to be doing its part to bring every last home network into the Wireless-N fold, with the company now rolling out its appropriately-named Wireless-N Upgrade Kit, which includes a 5GHz Wireless-N HD Access Point (WNHDE111) and that RangeMax Dual-Band Wireless-N USB adapter (WNDA3100) that made an appearance at the FCC earlier this year. Like most such kits, the included Access Point can function either as a standalone bridge (including with a game console or media receiver) or as a full-fledged 5GHz Wireless-N access point when it’s connected to an existing router or gateway. There’s also not many surprises with the USB adapter, although it does boast some “patented metamaterial micro-antennas,” which promise to out-do other non-metamaterial 802.11n adapters. If that’s got you sold, you can pick up the kit right now for $149.

[Via BIOS]

• Read
• Permalink
• Email this
• 25 Comments

Filed under: Wireless

»read more from "Netgear rolls out Wireless-N Upgrade Kit"

This is a far cry from being official, but over at Chris Remo’s Remowned site, he’s put up a post that will could be spilling the beans about a pretty big move for gaming giant, Electronic Arts. According to Remo, he spoke with an EA rep at Comic-Con who told him that the company is planning on producing their own line of high-end gaming PCs that will debut along with Crysis Warhead.

The aim is to gain more PC gamers that might not have the cash to spend on an Alienware machine. Their price point is looking to be more in the $600-$800, and still make it able to not only run Crysis, but run it well. This will also be a way to get the EA brand (and more specifically, the Crysis brand) out there in a big way. The more people that know that EA makes rigs, the more that they’ll likely buy EA games to play on said rigs.

The plan sounds like a no-brainer. EA has the dough, they’re one of the largest game publishing houses out there. They also have the marketing know-how. Imagine a line of gaming PCs, staring with Crysis, and extended to include Mirror’s Edge, or even a Madden PC. While they might not sell enough of these things to become the new Dell, they will at least get them into places where gaming PCs hadn’t previously been.

Read more at Remowned, found via Kotaku

»read more from "EA to produce branded gaming PCs?"

Lenovo is well-known for its slim ThinkPad X300, but now the Chinese company is preparing itself t launch a low-cost laptop similar to the Asus Eee that started it all. Usual contract manufacturers are probably in-line to get this contract. This is not a rumor, Lenovo has confirmed this itself: “the company is considering launching a netbook product designed with consideration for both consumer and enterprise markets” (Ken Wong, general manager of Lenovo Taiwan). That’s great, with even more players coming in, I think that we might reach a $100 NetTop even faster.

»read more from "Lenovo jumps on the NetTop wagon"

Talk about a multi-functional device - Brando has a new USB Spy Camera MP3 Sunglasses that comes complete with a wireless remote shutter for all you aspiring 007s. This unique pair of sunglasses comes with 2GB of internal memory, which is more than capable of storing up to 15,000 photos at 1.3 megapixel resolution. In addition, the integrated mp3 player allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes while you’re busy stalking your target. The wireless remote control enables you to snap photos discreetly without having to fondle the controls on the sunglasses itself. Of course, what’s a pair of sunglasses if it cannot keep harmful UV rays out of your eyes? This pair doesn’t skimp on such a feature, and you can pick it up for $165.

»read more from "USB Spy Camera MP3 Sunglasses"

The 6-cell battery version, at least. It will cost anywhere from $549 to even $599 if you perform a quick search online despite the recommended retail price of $499. $50 might not sound like much, but crossing the $500 mark will surely erect a psychological barrier that separates an impulse purchase from a calculated decision. I am still trying to figure out what is the sweet spot for the netbook market - after all, the Asus Eee PC did cost a mere $299 when it was first released albeit with some rather stunted specifications, but it was worth the sacrifice after taking its price into consideration. What’s your limit?

»read more from "MSI Wind Goes For Higher Price"

Word has it that the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore is currently working on a netbook that will retail for a stunning $100 - now is that cheap or what? Hopefully the final product won’t be as tacky looking as the OLPC XO laptop, but the price is certainly a tempting proposition. Other than the price tag as a target, very little else is known about the work-in-progress, leaving us to guess the size and specifications thrown in. What do you think $100 will be able to net you?

»read more from "India Targets $100 Netbook"

I like it when something as serious as technology is given a boost of pop art, as with the case of these hard drive cases from Meninos Design Studio from Brazil. All the external USB hard drive cases are hand-assembled, using a custom acrylic case accompanied by dual cooling fans. These are covered with a precisely applied vinyl wrapper boasting their design, although you can also opt for them to use custom designs that you’ve uploaded. These fashionable cases will not come cheap though, retailing for $250 without a drive.

»read more from "Custom Pop Art Hard Drive Cases"

If you cannot afford a large screen TV in your living room, there is a cheaper (albeit lower quality) alternative in the form of the Vuzix iWear 920s. This pair of virtual reality glasses claims to simulate watching a 62″ display form 8.5 feet away, although that comes at the expense of not being able to see whether your wife is getting it on with the mailman or not. What’s new with the VR920s is the ability to offer 3D images in gameplay. The Vuzix iWear VR920s will retail for approximately £250. I’ve tried these at CES and it’s definitely not the same thing as having a real 62″ HDTV. First of all, the resolution is much lower. Secondly, it is not as comfortable as I’d like it to be. One good thing would be the ability to prevent cheating in split-screen games. For a list of compatible games, head on after the jump.

»read more from "Vuzix iWear VR920s"

Man, I never knew that the Thermaltake V1 CPU cooler could look like something out of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Seriously - take a look at it and tell me Sebastian the hermit crab won’t be able to find a better use for it as some sort of musical instrument? This $60 computer accessory will come with a 12 volt fan that is able to achieve spins from 1,300 RPM to 2,000 RPM. I suppose with all those layered fins, it’ll do a pretty darn good job of keeping things cool.

»read more from "Thermaltake V1 CPU Cooler"