Open Sources: Voices from the Open Source Revolution (O'Reilly Open Source)

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Open Sources: Voices from the Open Source Revolution is a fascinating look at the raging debate that is its namesake. Filled with writings from the central players--from Linux creator Linus Torvalds to Perl creator Larry Wall--the book convinces the reader of the overwhelming merits of freeing up the many iterations of software's source code.

The open-source movement has become a cause célèbre in light of the widespread adoption of Linux, Perl, and Apache as well as its corporate support from Netscape, IBM, and Oracle--and strongly felt opposition from Microsoft. Open Sources doesn't address why these Microsoft foes are throwing their weight behind the movement. Instead, it focuses on the history and philosophy of open-source software (previously referred to as freeware) as an argument for shaping the future of programming. Open Sources is much larger than just a fight with any one company. Instead, it is a revolutionary call to release software development from the vested interests that label new directions in software development as threatening.

This is not to say that opening the source code is an entirely egalitarian and communistic endeavor. These are programmers and startup owners; they want to be able to continue to program for a living. To that end, Open Sources contains strong business profiles from entrepreneurs such as Apache's--and now, O'Reilly & Associates'--Brian Behlendorf, who discusses how to give away software in order to lure customers in for specialized versions. In many ways, this is a hands-on guide, displaying an insider's view of the development process and providing specifics on testing details and altering licensing agreements. However, interspersed with tech talk is a reader-friendly guide for those interested in the future of software development. --Jennifer Buckendorff

Book Description

Freely available source code, with contributions from thousands of programmers around the world: this is the spirit of the software revolution known as Open Source. Open Source has grabbed the computer industry's attention. Netscape has opened the source code to Mozilla; IBM supports Apache; major database vendors haved ported their products to Linux. As enterprises realize the power of the open-source development model, Open Source is becoming a viable mainstream alternative to commercial software. Now in Open Sources, leaders of Open Source come together for the first time to discuss the new vision of the software industry they have created. The essays in this volume offer insight into how the Open Source movement works, why it succeeds, and where it is going. For programmers who have labored on open-source projects, Open Sources is the new gospel: a powerful vision from the movement's spiritual leaders. For businesses integrating open-source software into their enterprise, Open Sources reveals the mysteries of how open development builds better software, and how businesses can leverage freely available software for a competitive business advantage. The contributors here have been the leaders in the open-source arena:

Brian Behlendorf (Apache)
Kirk McKusick (Berkeley Unix)
Tim O'Reilly (Publisher, O'Reilly & Associates)
Bruce Perens (Debian Project, Open Source Initiative)
Tom Paquin and Jim Hamerly (mozilla.org, Netscape)
Eric Raymond (Open Source Initiative)
Richard Stallman (GNU, Free Software Foundation, Emacs)
Michael Tiemann (Cygnus Solutions)
Linus Torvalds (Linux)
Paul Vixie (Bind)
Larry Wall (Perl)

This book explains why the majority of the Internet's servers use open- source technologies for everything from the operating system to Web serving and email. Key technology products developed with open-source software have overtaken and surpassed the commercial efforts of billion dollar companies like Microsoft and IBM to dominate software markets. Learn the inside story of what led Netscape to decide to release its source code using the open-source mode. Learn how Cygnus Solutions builds the world's best compilers by sharing the source code. Learn why venture capitalists are eagerly watching Red Hat Software, a company that gives its key product -- Linux -- away. For the first time in print, this book presents the story of the open- source phenomenon told by the people who created this movement. Open Sources will bring you into the world of free software and show you the revolution.

Customer Reviews:

Intresting mainly to see the differeces among the authors..........2001-10-21

This book is an interesting window on the Open Source world. It is a strange planet with strange people. Some crazy idealist like R. Stallman (I like the guy very much), some smart and intelligent person like L. Torvald (he did a very good job with Linux). In between someone that was just in the right place at the right time, but who doesn't deserve so much space and celebrity. I am talking about a person that seems confused as the language he invented: Larry Wall. His contribution does not require further comments.

good document - articles a mixed bag (naturally).......2001-06-11

This is a good idea on O'Reilly's part to try to document the history and goals of the Open Source movement, which had roots in several college campuses and research labs in the '70s and '80s, and became news in the late '90s with the popularity of Linux, Apache, and the decision of Netscape to open its browser source. The best introductory piece, however, is probably Eric Raymond's "Cathedral and the Bazaar" which is not in this book(O'Reilly publishes it separately, but it's available free on the Web and short enough to be read in one sitting). As for this collection, I liked Robert Young's business case for distributing open source - his story of how Red Hat was launched reminds me of the Compaq tale of "three guys in a restaurant". The Apache article is also quite good, and Linus Torvalds offers a brief but interesting (and characteristically opinionated) article about how Linux evolved technically. There's also a good article discussing the various open source licenses (BSD, GPL, Netscape, etc) and what they do and don't restrict.

Others I was less impressed with. Stallman's article is predictable and self-serving. He explains how he evolved his software-as-gift philosophy but doesn't come close to terms with how the software industry can support substantial employment if all source is given away. There's yet another history of the different branches of BSD Unix. There's a breathtaking inside account of the launch of Mozilla which ends with the fancy Silicon Valley party when development has finally gotten underway. The low point is Larry Wall's "essay", which is a frankly ridiculous waste of time and print.

Although this is a mixed bag, there's enough reference material and interesting points of view to keep the book around.

A fascinating read.......2000-12-30

All the essays are well written, enjoyable, informative and a great read. Anyone interested in open source software, where S/W development might be going and Unix/Linux/GNU software in particular, should read this book. One or two essays showing their age, but still worth every penny. Buy it, read it, then encourage your friends to read it as well.

Fascinating essays.......2000-11-16

This book was the first O'Reilly book to contain essays about the concept of Open Source and was later followed by the book, The Cathedral and the Bazaar. While some essays may seem similar to the latter, each of them are still fascinating and offer an insightful look into what makes Open Source work and why this phenomenon has become its own industry.

Among the essays here are included a "history" of Unix, essays about Cygnus (who offers a source code complier program) and Red Hat (who offers Linux), two businesses that sell services related to open source, an essay about the effects of releasing open source code for Netscape, one about the GNU Operating System and even one by Linux Torvals, the "father" of Linux.

What's continually fascinating to me the more I read about Open Source is the amount of time and energy others voluntarily put into an open source project to make it work that much better. Not to mention the entire "society" that is built around Open Source.

An interesting read, along with the Cathedral and the Bazaar.

a well-intentioned but naive view of software.......2000-06-08

Open Sources is a collection of essays by people who have been involved in a prominent way in what is being called "the open source revolution." The authors are all very bright people with good intentions and diverse viewpoints; this makes for interesting reading. However, I had a problem with the introduction. In fact, I hated it. It attempts to couch the issue of free vs. non-free software in religious terms: in the bad old days, free software only came from universities or other government-funded research. Then, a few companies saw the light and began to open-source their software; currently the industry is divided between these companies (the saved) and the rest of the companies (the damned) who will spiral into oblivion due to their proprietary selfishness. I thought the presence of this sort of rhetoric in the introduction, which sets the tone for the rest of the book, was particularly unfortunate.

The essays in Open Sources are a mixed bag. Kirk McKusick's history of Berkeley UNIX is great, as is Michael Tiemann's history of Cygnus Solutions, RMS's article about the GNU project, and Bruce Perens' article about licensing issues. Also, I really enjoyed the transcript of the infamous 1992 flame war between Linus and Andy Tanenbaum about the merits of Linux vs. Minix. On the other hand, Paul Vixie's article about software engineering is pretty random, Larry Wall's article does not seem to have a point at all, and Eric Raymond's

second article and Tom Paquin's account of the open-sourcing of Netscape are too self-serving to be useful.

Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit. However, the year that has passed since its publication has exposed some of the more outlandish predictions made by its contributors (Eric Raymond said that Windows 2000 would either be canceled or be a complete disaster). My guess is that Open Sources is not destined to become a classic. Rather, in a few years it will be viewed as an interesting but somewhat naive period piece.

Book Description

Based on thorough statistical analysis Twomey presents comprehensive case studies of policy in "metropolitan" countries and of experiences of "host" countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The findings reveal that foreign direct investment in, and therefore control over, third world countries was relatively higher at the beginning of the century than at the end.

Download Description

Based upon thorough statistical analysis, the book presents exhaustive case-studies of foreign investment policy in 'metropolitan' countries and of the experiences of 'host' countries throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America.

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Clouds, Rain and Rainmaking
B. J. Mason
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Geology | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Earth Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0521206502

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CLOUDS, RAIN & RAINMAKING
B. J. Mason
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0000CLKJU

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An attempt to determine silver content of clouds and rain: ESSA cumulus seeding project 1968 (University of Miami technical report)
H. Göte Östlund
Manufacturer: Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Aircraft Design & Construction | Aerospace | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007HGH6C

Book Description

Microdosimetry and Its Applications is an advanced textbook presenting the fundamental concepts and numerical aspects of the absorption of energy by matter exposed to ionizing radiation. It is the only comprehensive work on the subject that can be considered definitive. It provides a deeper understanding of the initial phase of the interaction of ionizing radiation with matter, especially biological matter, and its consequences.

Book Description

Hermes Press proudly announces the publication of the definitive behind-the-scenes history of the great British Sci-fi television series and movies of the late 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s: Supercar, Fireball XL5, Stingray, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Secret Service, Joe 90, Doppelganger, UFO, and Space: 1999, from their co-creator, Sylvia Anderson. This all new book will be a must-have for any fan of these great Sci-fi productions. Packed full of behind-the-scenes photographs depciting the daily nuts-and-bolts of these productions, Sylvia Anderson details everything fans of these great shows want to know. Anderson's new book contains pages after page of memorable stories and anecdotes about her involvement with these ground-breaking sci-fi television shows and films. The book contains over 200 rarely seen photographs with detailed remembrances of what made these gound-breaking shows so memorable.

Customer Reviews:

This Book is Also FAB.......2007-09-28

Great book and interesting to see what Sylvia's view of the whole Anderson Empire was as it was all happening. Her contribution to all the great shows from "Twizzle" to "Space:1999" was considerable and she is often forgotten while eclipsed by the shadow of her ex-husband, Gerry Anderson. The book is large and contains many rare photos of the people who made Thunderbirds go as well as all the other Supermarionation programs most of us grew up with.

Must-have for fans of the Anderson shows.......2007-08-18

The highlight of this book is the great (and plentiful) behind-the-scenes photos, mostly in b/w that tell the story of the Andersons' company and the production of their timeless shows.

There is not a whole lot of technical detail regarding the production that hasn't already been revealed by earlier books and websites. What this book does cover in some depth, however, is the extended afterlife and public attention that shows like Thunderbirds have attained - testament to the great care lavished on the original productions.

The only serious criticism of this book is the occasional lapse in proof-reading. Ed White on Gemini made the first spacewalk during the Thunderbirds production timeframe, it was Armstrong on Apollo that was the first moonwalker, long after Thunderbirds was completed. The model that Sylvia is standing next to on page 32 is Thunderbird 3, not TB1.

Buy it for the pictures and the unique perspective of someone who is very proud of her accomplishments in family entertainment, and rightly so. The techniques and innovation pioneered by the Andersons and their talented crew have been emulated, but seldom matched in the thirty-some years since their heyday.

My Fab Years! Sylvia Anderson Signed Limited Edition

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Sylvia Anderson the FAB (Fairly Average Book) Years
No Strings Attached

My Fab Years! Sylvia Anderson Signed Limited Edition
Sylvia Anderson
Manufacturer: Hermes Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

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General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

The Future Was F.A.B.: The Art Of Mike Trim

ASIN: 1932563938

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Sylvia Anderson the FAB (Fairly Average Book) Years.......2007-09-03

To be honest - just a rehash of the 1991 book 'Yes, M'Lady' in a larger format.

Not much new, several mistakes... page 32 is a clanger Photo Credit: "Standing next to TB1" - it is TB3.

Page 17 Sylvia seems to imply she thought up the idea of Supercar... "I had written some children's stories - and presented him (Lew Grade) with our next project: Supercar"...), then page 18 she states Reg Hill and Gerry thought it up. All a tad confusing, with statements repeated several times over various chapters.

Some good photographic content, but absolute embarrassing recognition of the 2005 Thunderbirds The Movie over 16 pages (Universal's biggest bomb in the last 12 years). Her views of the marriage break up are boring. Fans have heard it all (both sides). There's no points to be won by reading about it.
Out of 10 - a 6.5. Dennis Nicholson

No Strings Attached.......2007-08-02

One half of the Anderson duo, Sylvia Anderson, always creatively attached to the symbiotic Gerry Anderson gave the world "Supermarionation". Many kids in England in the 50's clamored together and had their eyes glued to the likes of Fireball XL5 and a whole barrage of TV shows created by the duo till their apex creation Space 1999. They put out some serious science fiction ideas with their marionettes with their signature strings and stiff character presentation, but we all forgot that with the strong stories and fun escapism. Not much is known about Sylvia, Gerry basked in the glory. Now we can glimpse the true scope of Sylvia's contribution to the series loved by many for over 50 years. She was not only pigeon holed to only children's fare, she got involved in many other film projects in those years, some famous and some not so famous.

Average customer rating:

FAB BOOK!!!
Impressive, intelligent, funny, witty, and moving!
Loved this book
Four Musketeers
LOVE THIS BOOK!!

FAB: A Novel
Kieran Batts Morrow , Tiffany Anderson , Adrienne Carter , and Tracy Richelle High
Manufacturer: DoubleDay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Friendship | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0385513488
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Book Description

They are highly educated, professionally focused, sexy, and looking for men to share the best life has to offer. Meet the fearless, funny women of FAB.

Bianca left her three best friends in New York to pursue a Hollywood dream job. The weather’s great, but the lower salary is making it hard to live “the good life.” Right when Bianca meets a sexy, sage professor, she starts resorting to fiscally questionable activities to finance her lifestyle. Eventually, hitting rock bottom while wearing the ugliest bridesmaid’s dress in history forces Bianca to reevaluate her priorities before her life falls apart.

Carolyn’s successful advertising career involves selling the idealized female body, and she’s obsessed with her own failure to fit that image. Certain that no man will love her as long as she isn’t model-thin, she comforts herself with designer shoes, Taco Bell binges, and therapy. When her new intern turns out to be a tall, handsome preppie with a quirky sense of humor, however, Carolyn realizes that if she can’t overcome her insecurities, she might miss out on the romance of a lifetime.

Taylor, a high-powered attorney at a top New York firm, earns more than enough to support a fabulous lifestyle; she just has no life. After her latest relationship implodes, Taylor decides that immersing herself in her career, with the occasional casual fling, is the best way to get through life heartbreak free. Her plan works—until she realizes that it won’t leave any time for her friends, family, or the hot investment banker she’s just met.

Roxanne’s best audition opportunity in the last year has been for the role of a spokeschicken for a fried chicken chain, and she’s sick of it. Despite the handsome filmmaker who satisfies her every sexual craving, Roxanne realizes that the constant uphill battle to land meaningful acting jobs is burning her out, and that a month-long California retreat with her surfboarding uncle is exactly what the doctor ordered.

From the witty to the wicked, these friends will let you know the score on life and love, and, in the process, make you laugh, cry, and laugh some more.

Customer Reviews:

FAB BOOK!!!.......2007-03-22

This book has moved to the rankings of one of my favorite books ever! It was so smart and witty...I couldn't put it down and I was so sad when it ended. These characters were fresh and fun, they were confident but still flawed, and they were so relatable.
Not once was a character described by skin color or something else trivial, this book actually made fun of books like that! It was such a refreshing and smart read, I would recommend it to any reading diva!

Impressive, intelligent, funny, witty, and moving!.......2006-01-14

Honestly, the only thing that I didn't like was the title. To me, the title didn't really do the book justice.

It's a great, realistic story about four black women who want to live "the fabulous life," but do it by working hard and enjoying their time with their friends, as opposed to scheming or marrying rich. What a refreshing change! They all want the same things -- a successful career, good friends, unconditional love and support, and, to be happy in their own skin. Each character is struggling in a different way to find the right balance and perspective. They all have flaws, but wonderfully, they all know it, and they all try, in varying ways, to improve themselves and their lives.

Because the writing is so clever and interesting, all of this is clear without ever sounding trite, simplistic, or cheesy. The writing is clear and the plot never slows down. Even better, the plot isn't silly or outlandish. The writing is also VERY witty, and intelligent. (I know I said that already, but I really appreciate cleverness and wit.) It made me laugh out loud several times. I enjoyed all the characters and felt like I really got to know and understand them all. The characters are real and developed. I don't mean to sound so suprised, but even with books where I enjoy the plot, I am disappointed by the character development or the writing. FAB has it all. It's probably the best black "chick lit" that I have ever read.

If you are (or you know) an intelligent, fun, professional, independent black woman, read (or tell her to read) FAB.

Loved this book.......2005-11-27

I am always looking for something new to read. The story line has to move me. I loved he story line and characters. I could not put this book down. I think every woman can relate to each of these women. I loved it and will recommend it to others.

Four Musketeers.......2005-11-17

FAB is the story of four friends who are trying to balance their careers while looking for love. Bianca has moved from New York to Hollywood as a television publicist, but finds her paycheck doesn't cover her lavish lifestyle, and she discovers the men in Hollywood don't follow her rules. Carolyn is a successful advertising executive; however, her love life isn't going so smoothly, and she has self-esteem issues that have her always belittling herself. Taylor is a corporate attorney who works six to seven days a week and can't find a man worth spending her time with until she meets Meschach. Finally, there is Roxanne, a struggling actress who has hit a standstill in her career and must take a break or lose her mind.

The four friends are fiercely loyal to one another and offer each other advice when things seem to be a bit rocky. The ladies must make some hard decisions in their personal and professional lives in order to find their true happiness. Bianca must hit rock bottom before realizing it is not about the name brands you are rocking, it is about being yourself. Carolyn must learn to love herself to find her true love, which happens to be closer than she realizes. Taylor must face her fears of rejection and learn to balance work and life by taking a leap of faith. Roxanne must undertake a small sabbatical to find her muse and reinvigorate her career.

As successful as these ladies are, they still harbor the same issues of most women as they maneuver in the dating world, searching for the right man. However, they know they can depend on each other no matter what and will be friends until the end. The quests to balance work and find Mr. Right makes for some witty moments between the ladies. The characters are easily relatable to most hardworking and successful African-American women. Their pain, hurt and eventual understanding makes them believable. Although the story is not fresh, since it centers on female friends searching for love, the approach with four different authors was. The writing was skillfully crafted where each character had a strong voice. My only issue with the story was at times there was too much narrative and not enough dialogue, which tended to slow the pace down a bit. When the dialogue was there, it brought out laugh-out-loud moments and kept me turning the pages. The authors have presented an engaging friendship story where the women have their pains and their struggles, but in the end they still have each other.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

LOVE THIS BOOK!!.......2005-10-20

This book was entertaining, hilarious, and extremely true to life for single women of all races. I could totally relate to all of those characters! I have been some of all of them at different times in my life. I read this book straight though and almost never put it down. It was so funny that I found myself laughing out loud, which I almost NEVER do when reading a novel...even if I find it funny! I would recommend this book to everyone!!! :-)

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Fab : a novel
Kieran Batts et al Morrow
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LH83LA

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