Articles
by Issue / by Type
Editorials
- Editorial - July 08A note of congratulations to the German translation team as they have completed translating all 22 previous issues of the Magazine.
- Editorial - June 08Spring has sprung and summer is upon us (at least in my part of the world) and I welcome you back to another interesting issue.
- Editorial - May 08If you have any Linux related links that you would like to share please visit our website and you will find a link under the User's menu to submit them.
- Editorial - Apr 08Welcome once again to a new and wonder filled issue of PCLinuxOS Magazine.
- Editorial - Mar 08Meet our new Assistant Editor!
- Editorial - Feb 08
- Editorial - Jan 08
- Editorial - Dec 07
- Editorial - Nov 07We hope you enjoy Issue 15! We have a great issue with the final article of the series on KDE, help on the Linux command line, the Linux directory explained and much more.
- Editorial - Oct 07Take a look at this month's articles
- Editorial - Sep 07Let's all welcome Papawoob to the editor's desk!
- Editorial - Aug 07
- Anonymous Editorial - Aug 07How's the free software revolution going?
- Editorial - Jul 07
- Editorial - Jun 07
- Editorial - May 07
- Editorial - Apr 07
- Editorial - Mar 07
- Editorial - Feb 07Welcome to the February 2007 issue of PCLinuxOS Magazine. This issue is full of excellent articles from people on the main PCLinuxOS forum. You will find valuable information to improve your use of this great OS! As promised last month, this issue contains a "treasure hunt."
- Editorial - Jan 07
- Disclaimer
- Editorial - Dec 06There are reviews of three music management applications, an open source replacement for AOL's interface, and a collection of links that should prove useful for newbies and experts alike. There is an announcement about the PCLinuxOS Small Office Home Office (SOHO) edition, and four how-to articles
- Editorial - Nov 06In this issue we have a mix of articles for you to enjoy. There are tips for 'newbies' and also an article to help those who have problems getting X to start after an update (haven't we all had that happen at least once?). We have articles to bring you up to date on several of the PCLinuxOS remasters; I'm sure you'll all enjoy Rodney's second installment on Web page design and KDulcimer's insights into how to get several popular browsers to play nice with Google Mail.
- Editorial - Oct 06Main Editorial
- Guest Editor - Oct 06Our guest editorial this month
- Editorial - Sep 06 Let us all work together, in whatever small ways we can, to make PCLinuxOS the best Linux distribution
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Fun / Opinion
- Interview with bigbearomaha
"Well, I have no life. I work as a full time truck driver/dispatcher, I have a commercial cleaning business, I run a non-profit Linux/tech support community program for non-profit community programs that need help. Oh yeah, I am part of the BEL (Business Edition Linux) Project team also."
- Some observationsI put in my WinXP installation disk and managed to run chkdsk.exe. I had hoped that merely running the chkdsk program to clean up the bad, bad file system would allow me to again boot my computer, that was not to be so. The computer remained "un-bootable."
- Interview with Didouph"We also will be working on sets of tools to localize regular PCLinuxOS installs and eventually take part in the developement of the long announced and awaited multilingual DVD! Once that is done, our next target will be to translate documentation, both internal and external (wiki) and, why not the magazine?"
- Don't ComplainA lot of folks new to Linux and/or the FOSS community, or not aware of the community spirit that has been past along through the years, do not remember the mantra that made/makes FOSS the best software in the world.
- Open Wifi OpinionUnsecured hotspots - free for the taking or stealing?
- I'm in your Leenux boxHaving a little fun at school
- Get Email Addresses RightOr risk dire, (or funny), consequences!
- The Cat who knew LinuxPCLinuxOS is such a work of art, it is inspiring poetry!
- Dave's LamentNot all PCLinuxOS users are Geeks, some are Poets!
- 10 reasons to use LinuxHere is our countdown of the 10 most frequently cited reasons people use Linux.
- Linux Users Owe MicrosoftPlace - IT Planning room at: Newham Council, Munich City, Bristol City, Madrid City, Seoul City, etc.
- Tech Support JokesUNIX Convention
- Forum DiscussionsA humorous look how forums work
- Freedom we ShareIt's about Freedom.
- mv elitism >> /dev/nullWhere did this elitism come from? Where and when did Linux and open source become about the mentality "you must be this knowledgeable to ride?"
- Susan Linton and the Tuxmachines"Just in the 6 years since I began using Linux, I've seen a lot of improvement in many areas. The key areas are hardware detection and auto-configuration."
- Windows Vista RantWhy is Vista still flawed and why is it taking so long to bring to fruition?
- ode to texstarA poetic tribute!
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Hardware
- NVidia FAQWhich legacy driver should you use? Here are the cards that work with the nvidia_71xx and the nvidia_96xx drivers.
- Camera ReviewStill looking for something to put under the Christmas tree? Maybe a Kodak MD853 Digital Camera is what your looking for.
- Antec 900 Case ReviewLooking to build a new system? Take a good look at this case.
- I Love Old ComputersHonestly, there's nothing like holding a laptop on your lap that does what you want it to.
- We've come a Long Way, Baby!A look at how far computers have come.
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Howtos
- How to change the localization of PCLinuxOSThis article summarizes some simple steps to change the English localization of a standard MiniME 2008 installation to the Italian language, but these steps are equally applicable to any other language.
- Speed up the video of your onboard Intel cardI managed to double my glxgears to 1200 fps.
- What is "root"?
One of the things I have found in helping new Linux users understand the Linux way of doing things, is that the concept of "root" can be a bit perplexing.
- How to configure a five button mouseUsing PCLOS 2007, you will need to open Synaptic and install imwheel and add two lines to /etc/X11/imwheel/startup.conf.
- Google GoodiesCongratulations to Google which has shown itself to be a strong friend of Linux. They offer many items which you may wish to install on your system. I hope you will find one or several you enjoy.
- User provided tips
- How to turn off Kde "Open with" file dialog
- How to update your PCLinuxOS system
- How to burn an iso (CD) in Windows
- How to upgrade from PCLOS 2007 to PCLOS 2008
- You have just installed PCLinuxOS 2007, so what do I do next
- Quick fix for Damaged Xorg.confThis way you always have a backup of your most current working xorg.conf, just in case something goes wrong, you can quickly fix it.
- Managing your iPodFirst the problem... This is a Windows iPod with a vfat filesystem. As received, the iPod would automount and I could see it in Konqueror and seemingly add music to it using Amarok. The problem was when unplugged the iPod didn't think it had any songs.
- PCLOS on a StickEnter the USB drive - flash drive, USB stick, pendrive or external USB HDD. All much faster and less noisy than a CD.
- OO Formatting How-toUse styles to format text in Openoffice.
- Dansguardian HowtoPCLOS forum user frequently have asked how to set up safe internet surfing for their families, schools, etc. Here are the instructions.
- How to Print to a shared Windows printerHaving the printer connected to the windows box is an easy way to share a printer on a home network. The following methods have worked ... for XP systems, but it may work for Vista as well.
- Straightforward Directions for RemastermeHowto for experienced PCLOS-ers.
- TipsManage your ipod with Floola, imrove your video playback, update your system's pci and usb data, and recover your desktop.
- Configure MozPlugger To Play MidiYou have mozplugger. You have timidity. Now you can make them work together to play midi files directly from the internet.
- How To Recover A Lost Root PasswordOk, even PCLOS veterans may lose their passwords. These users figured out how to recover everything, even if you lose the all-powerful "root" password.
- How To Setup autofsUse autofs to automatically connect Samba shares.
- Nvidia DualheadHere's some simple steps to install dual monitors with an nvidia graphics card.
- REALbasicRekindle your interest in programming with this easy to learn and use language.
- Setup Xampp And JoomlaThis article will help you setup Joomla.
- Tip For Better VideoIf you have problems with video playback, take a look at this article.
- Throwing Windows Out The WindowWindows is no longer ready for this desktop.
- Common Information CommandsGetting started with the command line.
- Howto Repair kdeinit ProblemsFix problems with kdeinit.
- A Guide to Multi-bootingA PCLinuxOS user shares how he set up booting multiple operating systems.
- How to open .docx filesYou've got nearly perfect .doc files with OpenOffice and you're still hoping everyone will adopt the OpenDocument Format, but sometime soon you'll may be forced to deal with Microsoft's new .docx format. Here's how.
- NdiswrapperUntil we get full wireless vendor support for Linux, we have a very useful tool called ndiswrapper.
- Using Cron and RsyncHere's a few tricks to get and maintain your own complete copy of the PCLinuxOS Repositories.
- Quick TipsTwo tips for speeding up your linux install.
- Linux Directory StructureWhere are all my files?
- Linux Command LinePower Users love the freedom of the command line. Here's how you can get started taking complete control of your PCLinuxOS system.
- Tips for a Cooler LaptopCool is good!
- Lynx How ToFor the command-line user in all of us
- Keyboard ShortcutsWork faster with these shortcuts
- How To Repair a Broken xorg.confDon't reinstall, fix it!
- How to make a list of installed packagesA great tip, check it out
- Beginner's Guide to LinuxSometimes we need a little help getting started
- Faster downloadsYou know you want it
- How to understand and edit etc/fstabPCLinuxOS sets up partitions correctly in most cases, but if it fails or you just want to change the default settings, exploring /etc/fstab is the first place to look
- Kopete to IRC howtoChatting about Kopete
- A word to the new and frustratedIf you've tried Linux before and have become frustrated, this one will help
- Clone UserHere's a fairly simple way to create an identical copy of a user. Ok, only the user's files and settings, not the actual user.:)
- Lessons from ChildrenLet's learn Gimp from the next generation.
- Linux TrackerDecyphering Torrents.
- PeerguardianProtecting you peer sharing privacy.
- Linux_Windows XP_ntfsHow to install PCLinuxOS with NTFS read/write enabled.
- AmarokGetting started with Amarok.
- AliasesHere's a bit a Linux mastery. You can do it, too. Come on. Give it a try.
- Backup w/ GrsyncHere's a fantastic tip for simplifying backup.
- Windows-Style Dialogs In FirefoxRid you Firefox those pesky Gnome-like dialogs.
- Restarting X WindowsAfter trying to install a graphics driver you are left at the command line with no desktop. What do you do?
- Configuring Wireless RouterHere's some help for Linksys wireless PCMCIA cards.
- Opening Files In OpenOffice With Accented CharactersCan't get these characters - á, í, ó, à - in OpenOffice? Try this.
- Adding Media PlayersSetting up mimetypes. No, not like Marcel Marceau:).
- All Those DirectoriesMake sense out the Linux filesystem.
- 3 Quick TipsHere's a sample of some of the advice you will find on the PCLinuxOS Forum.
- Speed TweakingEveryone wants their computer to go faster. Here's how.
- Firefox ExtensionsWe have ten of our favorite Firefox extensions for you to explore.
- ScroogleLast month we learn how to integrate Scroogle into Konqueror. Here's one for all of the Opera lover's out there.
- Update or ReinstallThe most asked question on the PCLOS Forums - Please Read!
- Saving Flash AnimationsIf you ever wanted to do a 'file -> save page as' for a web page with flash animations and videos - Here's how.
- Saving settingsYou decided to re-install. Now you have to decide what to keep and how to do it. Don't worry, help is on the way.
- DVD RAM in PCLOSLast time Clareoldie showed us how to use DVD-RW discs as a hard drive using UDF. Now, he brings us his experience with DVD-RAM.
- ScroogleWho's Afraid of the Big, Bad Google?
- What is "Root"?Here's a forum discussion on the meaning and purpose of "root" in Linux.
- My FavoritesHow to make a custom My Favorites Menu.
- What's in a Password?How to protect your online identity.
- What NOT To Do When Bored of Testing 2007Where's the thrill?
- Simple Ways to Do ThingsUsing PCLinuxOS there are many different ways to do things. Here are some of the easy ways.
- Linux TwinViewTwo Monitors - Twice the Fun! But not if you don't know how to make it work. This article will make setting up TwinView a breeze on PCLinuxOS.
- Ripping AudioRecord audio tapes into convenient files to play on PCLinuxOS. In fact, we'll be able to record any audio signal we can lay our hands on, including broadcast radio by the time we're done.
- R-BaseR is a language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. It is is widely used for statistical software development and data analysis, and has become a de-facto standard among statisticians for the development of statistical software. This is how one user set it up to work in PCLinuxOS
- BerylSpinning cubes, wobbly windows, what's the big deal? Find out for yourself. Here's how to setup Beryl.
- GnomeLinux is about choice! Gnome lovers will be happy to find PCLinuxOS isn't just for KDE. Configure Gnome just to your preferences.
- How to MultibootThe first consideration in creating a multi-boot set up is hard disk size. Your HDD must be of sufficient size to contain all of the distributions that you wish to install. Twenty GB is of sufficient size to comfortably boot two distros. Read more for crucial steps to successfully multiboot operating systems.
- Embedding Images in GmailThis is how to embed images in Gmail.
- Red Root PromptOne excellent way to make sure you don't accidently destroy your linux install is to modify your terminal prompt when you are logged in as root. How about 'Red' for warning!
- Splitting Large FilesSometimes you may wish to split a file, thereby making it easier to email or fit on storage devices. Here is a quick refresher course on splitting and joining.
- Desktop ShortcutsA simple how-to for organizing files and folders on your desktop.
- Limewire/FrostwireFrostwire is indistinguishable from Limewire except for the color scheme. If you use Frostwire, here is how to correct a small bug in Frostwire 4.10.
- Using FishFISH will not allow you to stream audio or video via LAN, but it is probably the easiest way to access your files on another computer. Using FISH, you will be able to copy files locally and store files remotely, assuming the right permissions are set.
- How to Change a Lightscribe LabelLightscribe support is available for PCLinuxOS, but it has not yet made it into the standard KDE burning software, K3b. Until then, there is SimpleLabeler.
- Using Tor CorrectlyTor is a service that is used to hide one's identitiy, prevent tracking of websites one is visiting, and hiding the data that one is sending and receiving. However, not understanding some basic security precautions is worse than not using Tor at all. Here are some valuable and easy to follow guidelines.
- VMWare How-ToThere is not a geek anywhere that does not want to run an operating system in a virtual machine. For those ready to give it a first try, here is an excellent step-by-step explanation of all the steps necessary setup a VWWare virtual machine.
- DansguardianAs our children advanced through school, the Internet has become a necessary and beneficial resource to further their education. Find out how to protect them from the existing dangers of the Internet using Dansguardian.
- Setting Static IP AddressesUsing DHCP to assign IP Addresses means that each time a network is restarted each machine on a network may end up with different IP Address. Here is the way to assign Static IP Addresses in a Windows network without losing access to the Internet.
- How to install programs from source codeIn PCLinuxOS, it is strongly advised to install programs only from the official repositories through Synaptic, and users are advised to look there first for programs they want. If a program isn't there, it can be requested on the main PCLinuxOS forum in the request section. Sometimes, installing programs from source may be a more desirable option than the previous two, and this is a tutorial on how to do that. Installing a program from source is a 3 stage process.
- Guide to Installing Diablo II LOD with PCLinuxOS and WineThis quick guide is assuming that you have Wine installed through Synaptic (or apt-get), that it is version 0.9.23, you are running PCLinuxOS 0.93, are using Alsa, and have your proprietary 3D video drivers installed. If you have no 3D drivers, the 'nv" drivers should work with Nvidia cards, and the game should work in 2D mode, if you follow these instructions. I have also installed on the Intel 810 onboard video chipset, with 100% success, in 2D mode only.
- How To Create an Update CD or DVDAn article that demonstrates the steps involved in creating a custom built CD that contains the necessary packages to perform a system wide update of a .92 or .93 PCLOS installation. The main intent is to provide those users who have limited or no Internet connectivity, a means to keep their systems up to date.
- Desktop ChangesAt one time we were all "newbies." Making the transition from Windows to PCLinuxOS is not a great leap. Most people would find the desktop on PCLinuxOS as simple to use as any in MS Windows. Unlike Windows, where you cannot change or customise things very much, there are a lot of options in PCLinuxOS that can be changed to make your desktop feel completely yours.
- Partition Tables ExplainedMany people have difficulty understanding how the partition table on their hard drive works. The master boot record (MBR) contains the partition table, which contains the location of up to four primary partitions on the disk.
- Packet-WritingPacket writing has been available in Windows operating systems for a long time through the use of third party software.
- mklivecd Bug FixIn the last release of PCLinuxOS (.93a) a bug became apparent after some users failed to create remasters of their install. Details on how to implement this are given below.
- Create a DOS Boot DisketteAll the older computers I have contain a floppy disk drive. In this exercise we will create a DOS boot diskette using "free" software.
- Rip audio CDs the Simplest WayI had been using various programs to rip CDs to MP3 or Ogg, until I saw the following tip (this blew me away with its simplicity):
- Screenshot your ScreensaverI saw a post in the PCLinuxOS forum, asking if there is a simple way to grab a screenshot while a screensaver is running. Here's how to do that:
- Creating Thumbnail Galleries of your PicturesI take pictures with my digital camera every time I get a chance to head into the mountains around Denver, CO. Like most people, I fail to organize the pictures when I download them and they just accumulate in date-coded folders on my computer.
- Adding a Menu Item - Step by StepSo you just installed a new piece of software and it did not get added to the menus. Don't worry, it is easy to add something to the menu structure.
- The Network File System (NFS)enables file access for Linux-only networks. Those who need to connect to network file shares with Windows machines need to use Samba.
- How To Connect To AOL Using A Dial Up ModemHaving spent several hours figuring this out, I thought that I should put it in a how-to, so that anyone who is still using dial up and AOL ("BIP" to the Europeans) would be able to connect to the Internet while using Linux.
- How to Set up a Printer in a Windows WorkgroupThis tutorial will show you how to print from PCLinuxOS to a printer connected to a Windows computer on a home network. Make sure your printer is turned on.
- Gmail and BrowsersMany people here have a GMail account and like to check it via the Web. However, GMail only officially fully supports Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Safari, and Firefox. Many others here prefer Opera (which I use) or some other browser like Konqueror. In these browsers, some of the GMail features do not work or GMail does not work at all. Here, I'll tell you how to get GMail running to the best of your browser's ability.
- Surfing AnonymouslyRecently I needed to visit a site anonymously. That is, without that site being able to identify my IP address. There are services out there that perform this function, but for interactive web sites they charge an annual fee. If I had the money for that, I'd send it to Tex first. So...
- Xorg.Conf RepairIf you're like me, you change things constantly in your Linux desktop. I'm always entering and tweaking .conf files to see what I can do and where the limits of things might be. In my attempt yesterday to get my EXACT monitor supported in PCLinuxOS, I hosed my xorg.conf file.
- Tips for NewbiesI've been using the PCLinuxOS distribution (distro) since May 2006. There were obstacles along the way, of course, but nothing that couldn't be solved with some help from the PCLinuxOS main forum, or by just experimenting. there were many instances, however, when I wished I had a person sitting next to me
- Computer AdviceWhy one should develop good computer discipline, and your system will stay up indefinitely. Adopt bad computer practise, and your system is in danger of falling apart at the seams.
- Guide to MultibootingA Guide on how to multiboot a computer
- PCLOS Minime - Run Live from Hard Disk DriveThis releases the CD Drive for other operations, eliminates the noise of a fast spinning CD, and also runs much faster - much closer to the speed of an actual install than running live from a CD.
- A Simplified Look at Basic RPM PackagingBuilding your first RPMs
- Scanning for rootkits with Rootkit HunterHow to install Rootkit Hunter from the PCLOS repositories, update it, and run a complete check of your system.
- Speed up your Boot ProcessA short guide on how you may be able to speed up your booting time a little.
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Reviews
- An Alphabet of Computer Languages: APLI learned that a 'sort', which I had written in Basic and which took nearly four pages of program code, was translated into a single line APL statement containing only 67 characters!
- PCLinuxOS Based DistrosJust thought I would try and bring everyone a list of currently active PCLinuxOS based distros.
- PCLinuxOS 2007 ReviewEvery once in a while a Linux distribution comes along that causes hype. It's not one of your regular Linux distributions, something is special about it.
- Something DifferentThis article will be some reflection on the material I have written in the past six issues of this magazine.
- LPI ExamThis LiveCD provides training material to prepare for the Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) and Red Hat Certified Engineer, (RHCE) exams. It includes, Centos, a Linux distro which is 100% compatible with Redhat.
- SMARTThe Smart Package Manager project has the ambitious objective of creating smart and portable algorithms for solving adequately the problem of managing software upgrading and installation.
- PCLOS Based DistrosA updated list of distros built on PCLinuxOS.
- Miro, Miro, on the wallWouldn't it be great to be able to use one video player regardless of whether you were running Windows, MAC, or Linux? That is just what the Miro player promises and delivers.
- It's Magic - PMagicParted Magic - A great way to manipulate harddrive partitions.
- Squeeze Your Data - A New Compression StrategyA Python script that navigates through a directory tree compressing its contents only, not the actual directories.
- Journey to LinuxOne girl's journey into Linux
- Freedom we ShareHow open source software means freedom to the people who use it.
- Ubuntu's HypeA test of Four Distros
- MS VistaOk, some of you have no choice. If you have to boot Vista, then by all means dual-boot.
- Disabled and LinuxWhere is Linux and PCLinuxOS in regards to accommodations for the disabled?
- 2007 ReviewIt's here, now let's see what 2007 has for you.
- We've Come Full CircleFrom the Network to the Home PC and back!
- LinuxMint ReviewUbuntu gets a lot of attention, but many Linux users want KDE. There is Kubuntu but another serious contender is LinuxMint.
- Newbies AdventureRecent positive reviews have brought a large number of new users. One newbie shares his experience with us.
- Linux in SchoolWhat will it take to get Linux in Education?
- Vista Sucks Big TimeIt's slower, has obnoxious pop-ups and a higher price, but it looks good. Not as good as beryl, though. :)
- Application ChangesWe are on the verge of the release of the much anticipated PCLinuxOS 2007. Find out what is new, what is gone, and what is still in the default menu. Included in 2007 are Beryl, Compiz, Aixgl, and Xgl for 3D graphics support.
- PCLinuxOS Test 1 Released!
- A Tale of Many DistrosRed Hat, Mandrake, Debian, Xandros, Linspire, SUSE, Progeny, Libranet, Gentoo, Fedora, Damn Small Linux, Slackware, Solaris, and then Ubuntu. With so many linux/unix distros available, why try PCLinuxOS? Because, everything just works! Simplicity and ease of configuration are wonderful things.
- Small office and home office.How often do we see or hear that phrase or its acronym SOHO? There are lots of software offerings that proclaim they are SOHO editions of business applications.
- Music Players: The Good, The Bad and The UglyI have for a long time been curious about which music player was the best. I've browsed through threads on various forums over the years and read many different opinions.
- Hooray for LinuxThe following is my experience, with my hardware, my software preferences and my own opinions. Although I will mention the other distro's that I tried to use, none of it should be considered "bashing" -- they may work for you and PCLinuxOS might not. All I know is that so far, PCLinuxOS is the only one that does work.
- TinyMeTinyMe is the latest PCLinuxOS effort intended to create a competitor to distributions such as Puppy and Feather Linux. It is targeted at computers that have little memory and/or a slow processor, while maintaining compatibility with the PCLinuxOS repositories.
- A Windows User's DelightAs a former Windows user, I know that it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the volume of available distributions. Often, to help decipher the lingo and choose a capable distribution, those new to the community seek guidance from existing users. Sometimes this can lead to a really positive result, as another Windows user joins the Linux community.
- KidsafeFor many years, I've been fascinated by the idea of Linux and the Open Source community. Finally, in February of this year, I took the plunge and decided to give Linux a serious look. At every turn, I've been amazed at the progress that has been made. In fact, there's so much going on in the world of Linux these days, it's enough to make your head spin!
- SupergamerSupergamer is a remaster of PCLinuxOS, optimized for gaming. It includes video drivers for 3D acceleration and was originally based on PCLinuxOS version p.91. Darin, the developer, states that Supergamer is compatible with PCLinuxOS and you may use the normal PCLinuxOS servers via Synaptic to update it.
- My Linux ExperienceA 12 year old girl's experience using Linux
- Edu-LinuxAn article about a two part PCLinuxOS distro: one geared towards schools for the easy setup and maintenance of school servers and the other a live distribution that can be given to students and educators for home use and used for classroom and lab PCs.
- Child friendly distrosA review on how child friendly three different disto's are.
- A Look at FreespireIf you're interested in an operating system that can run both open source and commercial software, Freespire may be the one for you.
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