Open Source Programming VS Closed Source Programming

Open source is a general software license that has revolutionized the software development industry. Before open source software development was limited to the combined effort of a few corporate-hired software engineers working in small groups. The open source movement has changed the way the software is developed. Open source uses broad community-based development techniques that replace a small group of profesional programmers with a large base of experienced individuals. While most large corporations are reluctant to give up the proprietary business model, some have started to realize the benefits of open source in the development of their software. In fact, free open source software, when coupled with service and support, can be profitable for major corporations. This website contains valuable information regarding the open source movement’s advantages, disadvantages, and its repercussions on the global software market.

Open source and proprietary developers have been in a heated battle over market share.
But with billions of dollars in the corporate pocket, are the open sourcers fighting an uphill battle?

Open Source Programming

Software companies from across the world have embraced the open source business model. From flavors of Linux to enterprise-class web server software, an increasing number of software companies are opening their source code to developers. Examples of this practice can be found almost everywhere. File sharing programs like Limewire have an open source model which pays private programmers to update small parts of the program. Sourceforge.net, arguably the largest online open source community, has pioneered the collaboration of open source projects. To date, they have nearly 1.25 million users and over 100 thousand projects. Sun Microsystems, a publicly traded corporation, has begun to make source for popular software like Solaris and Java open. These movements towards open source represent the general trend in the software industry.

Open source software has filled a void left by the proprietary giants. Utilities that would normally be overlooked by major corporations are being developed by individuals and shared around the world. These small programs can prove useful for both private end users and small businesses. The future of software development depends on peoples ability to openly share source amoung developers and to effectivly deliver final products to end users.

Fedora Core 4, an open source opperating system, is shown here in full swing.

Check out these links for good open source software!

Sourceforge.net
Opensource.org
mySQL.com
Red Hat Linux
Sun Microsystems

Closed Source Programming

Proprietary software, unlike open source software, is a pay-to-use service. Propriety software is developed by a small number of professionals working in a corporate think tank. These companies, to protect their intellectual property, provide the end user with only the binary code of a program (the part that only a computer can read). Because these companies make money by selling their programs, rather than their support packages, the source code proves invaluable.

Although the general trend of software development companies is to go open source, the biggest companies have resisted the temptation of open source. Microsoft, the infamous software giant, has been a leader in the proprietary software business model since the dawn of the computer age. Apple, the company holding the second largest share of the market, is also strictly proprietary. Apple even manufactures proprietary hardware, specific to Apple software. The fact that the two largest companies in the software industry have resisted opening their source code shows that proprietary software is still alive and profitable.

Apple computers have always dominated the multi-media market and are a strong force for proprietary software

Check out the following links to proprietary software companies:

Microsoft
Apple

Advantages And Disadvantages

Migration. It is difficult for end-users and development companies to drop their proprietary software to move to an open source model. Immature. Open source software has inexperienced developers as compared to professional developers of proprietary software companies. Hard to Deploy. Most open source software solutions don’t have GUI, making it nearly impossible for many end users to install the software.
Lacking support. Since there is no monetary incentive, open source projects can lose steam over time while proprietary software is continually improved.

Best Introduction to PHP And Also Using PHP.

PHP (the acronym is "recursive" and refers back to itself--it stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a popular server-side scripting language. The fact that it is "server-side" means that special software on the web server is used each time a page with PHP is processed. This software responds to specific commands included within (embedded) in the webpage. Generally, these commands tell it to generate new HTML code which is sent back to the user's web browser. Thus, especially when it is connected to a database on a web server, PHP can be used to generate dynamic web content. There are other uses for PHP that do not involve the internet, but this use of PHP is the most common one today. (Coggeshall)


Like some other technologies, PHP is not tied to a specific software vendor, meaning it is relatively compatible with other technologies and databases. This, and the fact that PHP requires relatively simple software to write and run, makes it a popular choice among programmers, who are seeking something more interactive and dynamic than JavaScript, but not as complex or tied to a single company as ASP.NET. Though there is no formal technical specification for PHP, it is maintained de facto by The PHP Group. (PHP: Introduction)


Examples: Like ASP.NET, PHP is broadly used, especially by small and moderately sized websites. Indeed, the original meaning of PHP was Personal Home Page tools, as it was originally built for the maintenance of the personal website of its creator, Rasmus Lerdorf. PHP is also particularly prevalent in online web discussion boards. All PHP pages end in .php rather than .html or .aspx.

Using PHP

PHP requires software to run, whether it’s on the web server or on your computer. A good guide to installing this software (if you’re installing it on your computer, you’ll be installing a server as well) can be found from Christopher Heng.

PHP can be written in a simple text editor, as it is embedded in the HTML. As with JavaScript, we’ll give a brief example of how to create a sample page, one that offers a welcome message to the viewer. Within the body of a normal HTML page, you can write a PHP tag like this one:

<?php echo '<p>Hello Visitor!</p>'; ?>

If the PHP software is installed on your server correctly and if you saved the page with a file extension of .php and not .html, it will convert this tag to proper HTML for display in the browser, which ultimately renders it as “Hello Visitor!” Of course, you could have performed this task anyway, just using HTML. PHP’s true value lies in its more advanced functionality, which can be used to create interactivity. PHP, like ASP.NET, is often combined with databases. PHP can be used to communicate with a database, gather input or data from a user, and create an interactive experience from that. Of course, acquiring the knowledge to do this takes some practice and study, but PHP is a popular technology for this sort of interaction. Should you want to pursue PHP, we’ve provided a few resources below.

Note that PHP is a server-side technology. If you want .php files to work as designed on a web server, PHP must be installed on that server. Keep this in mind when you choose a web host for your website. Many hosts, but certainly not all, support PHP. Most will clearly state whether or not they support PHP.

The Best Introduction to Databases And Using it.

Database

Concept

The principle of interactivity is clearly seen in databases and their use online. The idea of a database is simple: where plain websites are entirely static (they display the same content every time you look at them, unless the have been manually updated), data-driven websites is one of the things that makes a website dynamic, with new, fresh, content. Essentially, what displays on the page is determined in some part by what's in the database. (Greenspan)

You might be familiar with how a basic webpage works. HTML code that is already written is sent to your browser. Your browser translates this code into a webpage which you can see. With a webpage that uses a database, all or some of the HTML is generated by the data in database, adding an extra step to the process, but meaning that you'll see new data fresh from the database. When the maintainer of the website wants to update a page, he or she manually or automatically (usually the latter) changes the data in the database. The next time you view the page, you'll interact with new data.

How is this interactivity, you might ask. Simple: the website provides you with fresh data from the database, and gives you the opportunity to change the database in most cases (such as when you rank an article or video). Rather than just presenting one, stale page of HTML, it presents a fresh page of generated HTML that represents real-time data. When you perform an action, the data will often update, and, the information displayed. (Chappel)

Examples

Most moderately complex websites use some form of a database. A simple example is an e-commerce site. If you view an item for sale on an e-commerce site, the website will check to make sure the item is in stock before the present a "Checkout" button. If the item isn't in stock, it won't let you buy it, but will rather display a message informing you of this. Notice how sites like Amazon.com and Newegg.com do this the next time your purchase something. Also, most user interactivity connects back to a database at some point. All of those comments and stories from users on Digg, tags on a Flickr photo, or articles on Wikipedia are stored in a database of some sort. 

Using Databases

There are many types of databases. In this getting started guide, we’ll outline what you need to set up a popular free database so that other technologies (such as ASP.NET or PHP) can interact with it.

A popular free choice for webmasters is a type of database called MySQL. You can download the free version of MySQL here. It runs on both Windows and Linux. We also recommend that you download a reference manual here. Once you have the database downloaded and installed, you need to configure your web technology to link it to your website (for example, using ASP.NET or PHP). This is typically done with something known as a “connection string.” Essentially, this is a piece of data that specifies where your database is, what data you wish to access, and what username and password, if any, you are using. Connection strings vary greatly from database to database, but mostly only in syntax—the above concepts are universal across databases and technologies. For more on virtually every type of connection string, see an excellent free resourcehere.

As with ASP.NET or PHP, databases are generally server-side, meaning that they run on your web server. If you want your database to be part of a website visible to the world (as opposed to just an experimental site on your computer), you’ll need to set your database up with your web host. The procedure varies from host to host, but generally you’ll need to upload or configure some files and change your connection string to reflect the new location of your database.

It is also worth covering how data is stored in a database, and what technologies are often used to retrieve it. Almost all data is stored in tables, with columns, called “fields,” and rows, called “records.” A sample table might be named “People” with fields of “First_Name,” “Last_Name,” and “Date_of_Birth.” Each record in this table would have data for all three fields (though some fields can be set to be left blank in some cases, if necessary). Many records can exist in one table, all with the same fields.

To query, or retrieve, this data, a language called SQL (for Structured Query Language) is often used. There are many variants on SQL and it varies slightly database by database. A basic SQL statement though, might look something like this:

SELECT * FROM PEOPLE_TABLE WHERE FIRST_NAME = “JOHN”

As you might know, the * character means all, so this statement selects all of the records—each one represents a different person—from the table with all the people listed and shows or returns the record if the person’s first name is John. This is a very basic SQL query; they are usually much more complex, but you can get the general idea from this.

Computer fundamentals; Best Information in Short.

The Computer Fundamentals

Disk Operating System (DOS) - it is a collection of special programs that supervise and control the operation of the personal computer. 
Functions of DOS: (a.) interprets and executes commands. (b.) manages the disks, files and directories. (c.) oversees and communicates with peripheral devices. 


Parts of DOS: 


(a.) DOS System Files - it consists of three files: two hidden system files and visible system files: 
(1.) COMMAND.COM - this is the DOS Command Processor and is the interface between the user and DOS. As a command processor, it handles the execution of commands. It is loaded to the computer"s memory upon booting. It is responsible for displaying the system prompt. It access key from the keyboard and interprets the commands so that they can be acted upon by DOS. 
(2.) IBMBIO.COM (Basic Input/Output) - handles the input and output between the computer and its peripheral devices like the disk or the printer. It is hard-coded in the ROM of the microcomputer and cannot be touched by the computer user. It provides basic functions for the computer to communicate with the user. It provides the background and foreground colors on a color monitor. 
(3.) IBMDOS.COM - forms the heart of DOS. It receives all request for DOS service functions and converts them into a form understandable by IBMBIO.COM. It reads and writes data on a storage device. It refers back to the BIOS to handle input and output functions. Application programs could not run without DOS. 




(b.)Internal DOS Commands - these are the programs that reside in the memory of the computer. These commands are referred to as "resident commands". When you type in internal commands, MS-DOS performs them immediately because they were loaded into the computers memory when the system was booted up. 
Examples of Internal DOS Commands: 
CHDIR - changes from one directory or sub-directory to another. 
CLS - clears the screen. 
COPY - copies one or more files to another storage location. 
DATE - displays or sets the date. 
DEL - deletes files from a storage location. 
DIR - lists a file from a directory or sub-directory. 
MKDIR - creates a new sub-directory. 
PATH - displays or sets a search path for executable files. 
TIME - displays or sets the time. 
VER - displays the MS-DOS version number. 
PROMPT - use to set a new DOS prompt or reset the normal DOS prompt. 
RENAME - use to change a file names within the same disk directory.

The upcoming of 3G in our country India...

Hiie friends, Today I Amit Upadhyay will tell you the most important things about the upcoming of  3G in our country India. To know much more about me visit my personal website here .

What is 3G?

3G stands for third generation, and is a wireless industry term for a collection of international standards and technologies aimed at increasing efficiency and improving the performance of mobile wireless networks.3G wireless services offer enhancements to current applications, including greater data speeds, increased capacity for voice and data and the advent of packet data networks versus today’s  switched networks.

Technology

3G wireless networks are capable of transferring data at speeds of up to 384Kbps. Average speeds for 3G networks will range between 64Kbps and 384Kbps, quite a jump when compared to common wireless data speeds in the United States that are often slower than a 14.4Kb modem. 3G is considered high-speed or broadband mobile Internet access, and in the future 3G networks are expected to reach speeds of more than 2Mbps.

The 3G technologies are turning phones and other devices into multmedia players, making it possible to download music and video clips. The new service is called the "freedom of mobile multimedia access" (FOMA), and it uses wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) technology to transfer data over its networks. W-CDMA sends data in a digital format over a range of frequencies, which makes the data move faster, but also uses more bandwidth than digital voice services. W-CDMA is not the only 3G technology; competing technologies include CDMAOne, which differs technically, but should provide similar services. 

FOMA services are available within a 20-mile radius around the center of Tokyo, the company plans to introduce it to other Japanese cities by the end of the year. But services and phones are expensive and uptake of this market is expected to be slow.

History

This first-generation analog network may have been cutting edge at the time, but it soon became notorious for its decent call quality. Even worse, anyone with a police radio scanner can easily eavesdrop on AMPS calls, which travel through the air without any scrambling or encryption. AMPS still is available today on some CDMA phones from Sprint and Verizon, but it is largely fading as a technology.

The 1990s marked the arrival of two digital networks: CDMA, popular in the United States and a few other countries; and GSM, the dominant technology overseas. These second-generation (2G) networks spread voice calls across several wireless spectrums, making for more reliable connections that are much harder--though not impossible--for hackers to intercept. More importantly, CDMA and GSM networks are also capable of sending a sliver of data along with voice signals, making possible for such features as text messaging (SMS), caller ID, and conference calling.

Though the move to 2G was a great leap in terms of the technology, the splintering of the CDMA and GSM camps created a mess. At the time, AT&T Wireless, Cingular, and VoiceStream (now T-Mobile) opted for GSM. This required the carriers to adopt the now largely defunct TDMA technology before moving on to GSM. On the other hand, Sprint, Verizon, and a number of smaller carriers chose CDMA. While each side says it has the advantage, the schism resulted in two competing networks with little incentive to create a unifying 3G standard. Conversely in Europe, 3G arrived much more quickly because all carriers were working off a government-mandated standard. 

Of course, there were other factors working against 3G's adoption in the United States. Rolling out the new networks was very expensive, and customers had to be sold on the services. Furthermore, the move also involved technological constraints. Carriers had to bridge the gap between slow-as-molasses 2G service and zippy 3G with "2.5G" network enhancements. In operation a couple years now, 2.5G networks let you download ring tones, listen to short audio clips, send multimedia messages, or surf the Web, albeit slowly. These services include GPRS, which is capable of transmitting and receiving data at an average of about 30Kbps to 40Kbps, or a little slower than standard 56K dial-up service and EDGE, another GSM enhancement that manages about 90Kbps on an average day, or almost twice as fast as dial-up. On the CDMA side is 1xRTT, an early version of CDMA2000, which squeaks in about 60Kbps to 80Kbps. The next step, of course, is 3G and beyond. But some important differences remain. 

Devices 

To support the new generation of networks, standards and services, new device types are being developed. It is envisaged that there will be four device types:

1. Voice Centric: Aimed at a market purely interested in making voice calls, although there will be the  

ability to handle limited data. In terms of look and feel they will not deviate far from the current designs, although styled for the current trends and fashion. The ability to search, select, download and play back music (probably in MP3 format) from various service providers should also be possible with these devices. 

2. Smart Phone: These will still resemble current mobile phone forms but will have increased functionality. The user will be able to play back music and display images (possibly small video clips). Some of these devices may include a small camera for taking still pictures or even provide the ability to video conference. Other services available may include some form of Personal Information Manager (PIM), with email and corporate network access. 

3. Personal Data Assistant (PDA): Akin to the current PDA offerings but with the built-in functionality of wireless access to the UMTS network. Voice services will be accessible but these devices are aimed at the data services. The PDA provides a large screen for video and picture display, and web browsing ease. 

4. Radio Card: It is unlikely these will be capable of handling voice, designed purely for the data services and will not be stand-alone. The Radio Card will be designed to be plugged into a laptop to provide access to the wireless UMTS network. It is Likely to take the form of a PCMIA card.

ServicesThere are two main flavors of 3G: UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone Service), which is being rolled out over existing GSM networks, and CDMA2000, which brings 3G speeds to CDMA networks; for a detailed explanation of terms, see the glossary. Both UMTS and CDMA2000--which has two high-speed offshoots, the data-only 1xEV-DO and the voice-plus-data 1xEV-DV--are already springing up in a handful of U.S. cities and should be available nationwide by the end of 2005. Speeds for both should be about DSL quality. We're also beginning to see discussions of 3.5G and 4G technologies such as HSDPA and WiMax, which should provide cable modem and gigabyte Ethernet speeds.Of course, you'll need a 3G-capable phone to use one of the new high-speed networks. After some false starts, a handful of 3G handsets have appeared in the last few months such as the LG VX8000 and the Motorola A845. In fact, 3G cell phones were a big theme at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, so you can expect many more in 2005. (See all new cell phone reviews.Laptop users also can take advantage of 3G networks for on-the-go broadband without a Wi-Fi network; all you need is a carrier-supplied PC Card. We first played with Verizon's card in 2004, and we liked what we saw. After starting slowly with just two cities in 2003, Verizon now has the largest 3G network. AT&T started a limited rollout in 2004, and other carriers are expected to catch up in the next couple years. Each has a different process for getting there, of course, and their selection of handsets will vary.

By Amit Upadhyay.

Guys wait for me I will be back again with some new interesting stuff which will be something special for you...