Linux computing on the couch, from across the room

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: PHIL HOCHMUTH ON LINUX
08/31/05
Today's focus: Linux computing on the couch, from across the
room

Dear networking.world@gmail.com,

In this issue:

* Package ties remote control to Linux
* Links related to Linux
* Featured reader resource
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by HP
FROM THE NETWORK CORE TO THE NETWORK EDGE

Traffic management becomes critical as your network
infrastructure expands to support different types of traffic and
users. Most traffic management solutions have serious
limitations: too expensive, difficult to use, and overly taxing
on bandwidth. However ProCurve Networking by HP addresses these
requirements, overcomes the limitations of other solutions, and
gives you valuable insight into LAN performance.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=111670
_______________________________________________________________
TROUBLE IN PARADISE?

As technologies such as VoIP emerge to advance networks, many
believe the tools to manage them are falling behind. Traditional
management software models simply can't keep up with the rate of
real-time change that today's applications sustain. Is there a
solution pending or should network managers rely on their own
innovations? Click here:
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=111599
_______________________________________________________________

Today's focus: Linux computing on the couch, from across the
room

By Phil Hochmuth

Linux PC enthusiasts may be tired of hearing about all the ways
Microsoft PCs are taking over the living room. Having conquered
most home offices and dens, Windows is now running such
entertainment apps as MP3 players, CDs and DVDs with its XP
Media Center Edition, complete with a PC-friendly remote control
that's similar to a cable TV or home electronics controller. But
Linux can also play in the home entertainment arena, with help
from a package called Linux Infrared Remote Control.

The software <http://www.lirc.org/> allows Linux computers to
receive infrared signals and translate them into instructions
that can be used to operate any application the box can run. By
connecting a USB or serial IR receiver, or through built-in IR
interfaces (such as IrDA ports on laptops), LIRC can be used to
launch applications or other services, and control the operation
of programs such as MP3 and CD players, or any other device
attached to the PC. IR commands can even be mapped to mouse
movements, allowing users to mirror point-and-click functions on
a remote.

Most standard infrared remotes can be used with the system. LIRC
commands are set up by defining a function - such as hitting
"play" on an MP3 app, or launching a Web site - then mapping the
function to a remote control's IR signal. The application
"learns" the signal by pointing the remote at the IR receiver.

Once set up, a Linux PC with a remote control interface can
become a powerful home entertainment gadget. A quiet-running
LIRC-enabled Linux PC or laptop attached to a TV and stereo can
provide lots of fun features, from couch-based Web surfing
(great for live Fantasy Football stat tracking on the Web during
NFL games) as well as bringing a library of MP3s out of the PC
den and onto the living room stereo system. Outfitted with a TV
input card and a fat hard drive, the PC could even take over as
a cable television receiver and digital video recorder. (TiVo
is, after all, a Linux-based appliance.)

It could also be argued that having a Linux-based home
entertainment PC removes the risk of having "Slammer" or
"ILOVEYOU" being added to your music collection, or the "BSOD"
while trying to watch CNN or MTV.

The top 5: Today's most-read stories

1. 2005 salary survey <http://www.networkworld.com/nllinux3885>

2. Google dives deeper into networking
<http://www.networkworld.com/nllinux6168>

3. Cisco aims to simplify switch mgmt.
<http://www.networkworld.com/nllinux6169>

4. VoIP season about to heat up
<http://www.networkworld.com/nllinux6170>

5. A proposal for governing the 'Net
<http://www.networkworld.com/nllinux6171>

Today's most-forwarded story:

VoIP rollouts generate heat, power concerns
<http://www.networkworld.com/nllinux6172>

_______________________________________________________________
To contact: Phil Hochmuth

Phil Hochmuth is a Network World Senior Editor and a former
systems integrator. You can reach him at
<mailto:phochmut@nww.com>.
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by HP
FROM THE NETWORK CORE TO THE NETWORK EDGE

Traffic management becomes critical as your network
infrastructure expands to support different types of traffic and
users. Most traffic management solutions have serious
limitations: too expensive, difficult to use, and overly taxing
on bandwidth. However ProCurve Networking by HP addresses these
requirements, overcomes the limitations of other solutions, and
gives you valuable insight into LAN performance.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=111669
_______________________________________________________________
ARCHIVE LINKS

Breaking Linux news from Network World and around the 'Net,
updated daily: http://www.networkworld.com/topics/linux.html

Archive of the Linux newsletter:
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/linux/index.html
_______________________________________________________________
FEATURED READER RESOURCE
VoIP

For the latest in VoIP, check out NW's Research Center on this
very topic. Here you will find a collection of the latest news,
reviews, product testing results and more all related to keeping
VoIP networks performing at their best. Click here for more:
<http://www.networkworld.com/topics/voip.html>
_______________________________________________________________
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