In a few days, both the gNewSense and Gobuntu project will release a new version of their distributions. Based on Ubuntu Hardy Heron, they will aim at satisfying the most exigent users in terms of freedom. This apparent duplication of work may not perpetuate. Indeed, some developers behind Gobuntu (including Mark Shuttleworth himself) think of "channelling the energy from Gobuntu into gNewSense".

Against the backdrop of cries from the GNU/Linux community, Asus has taken steps to correct the availability of the source code for its Eee PC.

The Free Software Foundation is working to develop a set of libraries and programs that implement the PDF file format. Even non-developers can contribute to the cause.

Recently, Blue GNU reported that the Xming software is released under the terms of the GNU GPLv2, and that the developer might be violating its terms. Harrison now states his program is no longer under the GPL. So here's an update.

The Free Software Foundation has confirmed that Xming developer, Colin Harrison, has overreached his limits by attempting to impose additional restrictions beyond the requirements of the GNU GPL and LGPL.

Xming appears to be a useful program for accessing and running your GNU/Linux applications remotely from a Windows computer. It is licensed under the GPLv2. But just how free is it, really?

GnuTLS, which released version 2.0.2 last week, removed the TLS Authorization capability, due in part to an effort to circumvent the IETF standardization process.

Richard Stallman, in receiving an honorary Doctorate from Italy's University of Pavia, brought back memories of the basic primary school principle that students bringing cookies to class should bring enough for everyone.

One of the biggest gripes the FOSS community has with respect to Microsoft's business tactics is that its longstanding exclusionary agreements with hardware vendors has stifled genuine competition. This is the very issue of one of two claims Novell will be allowed to press against Microsoft in their anti-trust lawsuit.

Recent overhauls of the Free Software Foundation and GNU Project websites have made navigating those sites easier - to do, as well as on the eyes.

Whew! What a weekend it was at the Ohio LinuxFest in Columbus, Ohio! Between the free (but not Free) beer, having to choose between apparently popular sessions, and the wide variety of booths, the biggest problem was choosing which fun to have.

GCompris, an official GNU Project providing educational software for children aged 2-10 years, announced the release of version 8.4 today. Changes include upgrading to the GPLv3, as well as major structural changes. And lead developer, Bruno Coudoin, says the project could use some help.

Some Bible study programs are gratis, but not libre. Others cost $30, right on up to hundreds of dollars - and that's just for the base modules. Worse, most of these programs can only run on one or two operating systems. Follow along as Blue GNU explores a few Free/libre Bible software projects that let anyone have access to hundreds of Bible resources, regardless of what operating system they use, or what language they speak.

The coalition comprising the Free Software Foundation and environmental activist organizations has gathered around 1500 signatures for their open letter calling on their members and other social activists to reject the resource-intensive Windows Vista in favor of the Free Software GNU/Linux systems.

Attendees of the Ohio LinuxFest - or GNU/LinuxFest for GNU fans - received the following note from the organizers.

The ISO announced on their website yesterday that the proposal to fastrack the "draft standard ISO/IEC DIS 29500, Information technology – Office Open XML file formats" did not gain enough votes to pass. In fact, it failed on both criteria. Even so, the possibility of two incompatible document standards looms in the not too far distance.

Grassroots public relations campaign aims to get GNU/Linux mentioned on radio talk shows.

Blue GNU has launched a simple poll aimed at understanding whether and how FOSS projects market themselves. The 4-week project is an effort to help the community understand marketing and its impact on the progress of various projects.

According to the Samba Project's website, the team is moving to the GNU GPLv3.

From the site: World-renowned activist, author and free software developer Richard Stallman will speak tomorrow at the University of Toronto Missi