Come Celebrate Software Freedom Day 2009 with 8layer and Partners

On the 3rd Saturday of September (09/19/09), this is the time of the year where “IT Activists” Celebrate the essence of FREEDOM. Liberation from cost, from ignorance and FREEDOM to innovate.

That though FOSS and Using FOSS is FREE; Learning and Being Learned is PRICELESS.

Together with Systems Plus College Foundation (Angeles,Pampanga), IBM Phils, Intel Phils and PLDT Business Solution Group, we are happy to share the beauty and value of FOSS and the priceless benefits that we will reap using FOSS.

This year is bigger and better as we had more than a month's preparation of planning and organizing the said event. And why is this better than last year?

• We are fortunate to have System Plus College Foundation host this as their new Multi-Purpose Theater. Our Event Partners, are coming as well to grace the event, IBM Phils., INTEL Phils. And PLDT Business Solutions who in one way or another do also have OPEN Source Initiatives.
• There are more events to watch out for like install fest, makersmeet, programming competition. For more details, we also have an official website for this year's Celebration http://www.8layertech.com/sfd
• Likewise, this marks the launch of our homegrown DISTRO's; 8ix Zenith CE and KAHEL OS (CD installers will be distributed for FREE with the generous support of the partners we mentioned)
• And it will be an ALL DAY sharing and gathering of all FOSS lovers from the Region. Students, Faculty from the Academe, Business Sector and Open Source IT Professionals

And even amidst unguided and derailed thoughts and actions, 8layer still always carry the hope and fortitude of a brighter tomorrow.

So, Come and Join the fun-filled activities and sharing at SFD2009; Systems Plus College Foundation at Angeles, Pampanga. For more details and registration, visit http://www.8layertech.com/sfd/

Microsoft Admits Fear of Linux

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/169712/microsoft_admits_fear_of_linux.html

Microsoft has long pooh-poohed Linux as a desktop competitor. But a recent filing with the Security and Exchange Commission has the company admitting for the first time that Linux represents a significant threat to Windows.

TechFlash reports that in Microsoft's recent annual filing with the SEC, it listed for the first time Ubuntu's maker Canonical, and Linux distributor Red Hat as competitors to its Client division, which makes Windows. Previously, TechFlash says, Red Hat was listed but only as a competitor to its Business and Server & Tools divisions.

In its annual filing, Microsoft warns that Linux is a threat to Windows, particularly in emerging markets and for netbooks. It also warns that Apple is a threat, but it's said that before. The big news is the addition of Linux. Here's what the filing says:

Client faces strong competition from well-established companies with differing approaches to the PC market. Competing commercial software products, including variants of Unix, are supplied by competitors such as Apple, Canonical, and Red Hat. Apple takes an integrated approach to the PC experience and has made inroads in share, particularly in the U.S. and in the consumer segment. The Linux operating system, which is also derived from Unix and is available without payment under a General Public License, has gained some acceptance, especially in emerging markets, as competitive pressures lead OEMs to reduce costs and new, lower-price PC form-factors gain adoption. Partners such as Hewlett-Packard and Intel have been actively working with alternative Linux-based operating systems.

The filing goes on to add that Windows is also threatened by platforms and devices that might curtail demand for PCs. And it notes browser alternatives that could hurt it as well. Here's what the filing says:

TechFlash notes that Google, Apple, Opera, and Android are new in this section; last year only Mozilla was listed.