Sound problem with Ubuntu, HP 2530p

Before you go on, I should update this post with the good news that Ubuntu 9.10 supports the sound card on HP 2530p :-)
-----

Well HP 2530p sound card got a little bit trouble with Linux. For me everything was fine and recognized(I mean the sound card) but I just didn't have any sound out of my damn speakers ... my problem got fixed by adding following command to the modprobe.d(This is for Ubuntu) :

At Terminal Run,
#sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/options
add the following code,
options snd-hda-intel enable_msi=1 single_cmd=1 model=laptop

Other Linux :

For sound to work you need to add the following line to your /etc/modprobe.conf (or your distributions equivalent) file:
options snd-hda-intel enable_msi=1 single_cmd=1 model=laptop

Source (Edited for Ubuntu)

Lightning for 64 bit Ubuntu

For those of you who are also running a 64-bit linux machine (like me) and want to use the Mozilla Lightning 0.9 Thunderbird add-on, you can find the 64-bit version of this add-on here in the Mozilla release archive. The one that comes from the add-on website doesn't seem to install unfortunately.

If you also want to push your calendar entries back to for instance Google Calender, be sure to use the Provider for Google Calendar add-on. It allows bidirectional access to Google Calendar.

source

3 easy steps to burn ISO image files in Ubuntu

How to burn iso files on Ubuntu Linux.

1. Download the file.
2.Right click on the file and click on Write to Disc...
3.In Write To Disc screen you choose your CD Burner and Write speed and when you are done just click on Write

Enable remote desktop from CMD

Go to CMD and then run this command line at your command promt, Remote Desktop is enabled :

reg.exe add "HKLM\system\currentcontrolset\control\terminal server" /v fDenyTSConnections /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

How to turn on automatic logon in Windows XP

You can use Registry Editor to add your log on information. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate the following registry key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
3. Using your account name and password, double-click the DefaultUserName entry, type your user name, and then click OK.
4. Double-click the DefaultPassword entry, type your password under the value data box, and then click OK.
   
   If there is no DefaultPassword value, create the value. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. In Registry Editor, click Edit, click New, and then click String Value.
   2. Type DefaultPassword as the value name, and then press ENTER.
   3. Double-click the newly created key, and then type your password in the Value Data box.
   If no DefaultPassword string is specified, Windows XP automatically changes the value of the AutoAdminLogon registry key from 1 (true) to 0 (false) to turn off the AutoAdminLogon feature.
5. Double-click the AutoAdminLogon entry, type 1 in the Value Data box, and then click OK.
   
   If there is no AutoAdminLogon entry, create the entry. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. In Registry Editor, click Edit, click New, and then click String Value.
   2. Type AutoAdminLogon as the value name, and then press ENTER.
   3. Double-click the newly created key, and then type 1 in the Value Data box.
6. Quit Registry Editor.
7. Click Start, click Restart, and then click OK.

After your computer restarts and Windows XP starts, you can log on automatically.

If you set a computer for automatic logon, anyone who can physically gain access to the computer can also gain access to everything that is on the computer, including any network or networks that the computer is connected to. Additionally, if you turn on automatic logon, the password is stored in the registry in plain text. The specific registry key that stores this value is remotely readable by the Authenticated Users group. Therefore, only use this setting if the computer is physically secured and if you make sure that users who you do not trust cannot remotely see the registry.

Source : Microsoft Support

Export/Import bookmarks from Google ...

Import bookmarks from Firefox or Internet Explorer

Google Chrome can copy bookmarks and other browser settings from Firefox and Internet Explorer. Learn more about importing browser settings

Import bookmarks from other browsers

1. Export bookmarks from any browser as a HTML file and save the file to your computer.
2. Click the wrench menu in Google Chrome.
3. Select Bookmark manager.
4. Click the Tools menu in the manager.
5. Select Import bookmarks.
6. Find the HTML file saved from the first step, then click Open.

The bookmarks from the other browser will now appear as a subfolder within the 'Other bookmarks' folder at the end of the bookmarks bar.

Export bookmarks from Google Chrome

1. Click the wrench menu in Google Chrome.
2. Select Bookmark manager.
3. Click the Tools menu in the manager.
4. Select Export bookmarks.
5. Choose a location where you want your exported file to be saved, name your file, then click Save.

Google Chrome will export your bookmarks as a HTML file.

Reinstall Ubuntu Grub Bootloader After Windows Wipes it Out

If for some odd reason you missed having the Windows operating system and you decided to install it on another partition, you will notice your GRUB is missing afterwords. This usually happens and is a huge headache for those trying to get their GRUB back. Here’s what you need to do to get it back:

Put your bootable Ubuntu/Xubuntu install disk in the CD drive and run it. Instead of installing anything, click on the menu to open the terminal application.

In terminal mode, type the following:

sudo grub
find /boot/grub/stage1
root (x,y)
setup (x)
quit
sudo shutdown "now" -r

The resulting “find” command will display something like (hd0,1). In this example, you would then type root (hd0,1) and then setup (hd0) in the above area. These numbers might be different; that’s why I included the “find” command so that folks who might have their Ubuntu partitions located either in front or behind their Windows installation or on a completely separate internal/external hard drive so that you will get the appropriate/correct setup numbers.

Ok, now you got your GRUB-on, but what about that darn GRUB menu? It’s not displaying what you want it to display? Well, let just see here…

Upon reboot, select “Recovery Mode”, usuaully the second option down on the GRUB menu. This will allow you to boot into the root. Once you’re in the terminal mode, type:

editor /boot/grub/menu.lst

Well, the rest is pretty much self explanatory. There should be enough comments in the menu.lst to direct you to what you can and cannot do to your GRUB menu.lst.

I usually put the Windows option at the top of the menu so that others (none-Linux users) who use my computer can find it easily if they have to do a reboot. Your Windows installation will have a different root than your Ubuntu/Xubuntu, but it’s usually automatically placed by GRUB once it’s set up again (like the above). I also recommend removing the timeout option as this is sometimes annoying.

Source

Basic tips and tricks for IRC chat ...

Some basic commands for IRC chat ...
/join 
Type /join #channelname -- to join a channel of your choice 
Example: /join #bossmom 
What it looks like: 
[18:44] *** Now talking in #beginner 
--Op-- bossmom has joined the channel 
[18:44] *** Topic is 'Beginner's Help/Chat Channel....All Are Welcome Here!! ®© [ENGLISH]' 
[18:44] *** Set by X on Sun Jul 23 16:10:34 

/me 
The /me is an action message. 
Type /me 'does anything' 
Example: /me waves hello 
What it looks like: 
* bossmom waves hello 

/msg 
Type /msg nickname (message) to start a private chat. 
Example: /msg puddytat Hey tat, how are you? 
What it looks like: 
-> *puddytat* Hey tat, how are you? 

/nick 
/nick changes your nickname 
Example: type /nick newnickname (limit 9 characters) 
What it looks like: I typed /nick luv2quilt 
*** bossmom is now known as luv2quilt 

/notice 
A notice is used to send a short message to another person without opening up a private window. 
Type /notice nickname (message) 
Example: /notice badnick Please change your nickname for this family channel. 
What it looks like: 
-> -badnick- Please change your nickname for this family channel. 
/part 
Type /part -- to leave one channel 
Type /partall -- to leave all the channels you are in 

/ping 
Type /ping nickname. What this command does is give you the ping time, or lag time, between you and the person you pinged. Lag can be explained as the amount of time it takes for you to type your message and for others to read your messages. Unfortunately, lag is always a part of IRC, although most times it's not a problem, just a nuisance. 
Example: /ping luv2quilt 
What it looks like: 
[19:04] -> [luv2quilt] PING 
[19:04] [luv2quilt PING reply]: 0secs 

/query 
Similar to the /msg, except it forces a window to pop open. 
Type /query nickname (message) 
Example: /query Sofaspud^ Sooo....what's new? 
What it looks like: 
soooo....what's new? 

/quit 
Type /quit to leave IRC altogether. This disconnects mirc from the server. 
Example: /quit Going out for dinner...nite all 
What it looks like: 
*** Quits: saca (Leaving) 

/ignore 
Unfortunately, there will be times when you don't want to talk to someone, or else someone may be harassing you. 
By typing /ignore nickname 3, you will not receive anymore messages from that person. 
Example: /ignore luv2quilt 3 
To Unignore them, type /ignore -r luv2quilt 3 
What it looks like: 
*** Added *!*bossmom@*.dialup.netins.net to ignore list 
*** Removed *!*bossmom@*.dialup.netins.net from ignore list 

/whois 
Type /whois nickname to see a bit more information about another user. You'll see what server another person is using, or what their ISP is. Pretty helpful when you don't recognize a nickname that wants to chat. You may recognize the IP, (Internet Protocol) and then feel more comfortable carrying on a conversation. You'll also be able to see what other channels a person is in, which might be a good indicator if you really want to talk with them or not. 
Example: /whois bossmom 
What it looks like: 
luv2quilt is bossmom@elwo-01-094.dialup.netins.net * Enjoy the Journey........ 
luv2quilt on @#bossmom 
luv2quilt using Seattle.WA.US.Undernet.org the time for school is during a recession. 
luv2quilt has been idle 18secs, signed on Sun Jul 23 18:47:26 
luv2quilt End of /WHOIS list. 

/chat 
This opens up a DCC/CHAT window to another user. What's nice about these is that you can continue to chat even if you get disconnected from your server. 
Word of Caution: Do NOT accept dcc/chats nor dcc/gets from anyone that you don't know. 
Type /chat nickname. 
Example: /chat oddjob^ 
What it looks like: 
Chat with oddjob^ 
Waiting for acknowledgement... 

/help 
There's one more very helpful command, and probably the one you'll use a lot when first starting out. In fact, I still use it quite a lot, and that's the built-in help menu of mIRC. 
Type /help, you'll see the the mIRC Help Menu open up. You can do a search from there, or you can type /help topic. Either way, a TON of information at your fingertips. 
Example: /help Basic IRC Commands 

Mozilla Releases Firefox 4.0 Interface Mockups

Just days after releasing some proposed interface changes to Firefox 3.7 on its wiki, the Mozilla Foundation has put up a page to explore interface changes in Firefox 4.0.

Two main versions are displayed, one showing the tabs beneath the address bar and one with the tabs above it. The tabs-on-top look is nice and clean, and saves space, but eliminates the title bar.

Also on the wiki page is a demonstration of an idea for combining the go, refresh, and stop buttons into a single context-sensitive button.

As with the proposed changes to Firefox 3.7, the Firefox 4.0 changes are aiming to reduce interface complexity, increase page space, and hopefully increase clarity for the user while integrating more naturally into Windows. What do you think of the changes? Let us know in the comments.

• See more like this:
• firefox, mozilla

CNET.com

Remove whitespaces or whatever letter from a string in Java

String str = "Helloo , Welcome to the land of FRACK !!!".replaceAll(" ", "!"));

str will be : Helloo!,!Welcome!to!the!land!of!FRACK!!!!

To Shutdown/Restart Ubuntu linux from terminal

So how do you shutdown or reboot Ubuntu Linux from a terminal or a shell prompt? If GUI is working you can always click on a Quit button. If GUI is not working or if you are working remotely over ssh type the following command:

To shutdown / poweroff Ubuntu Linux

Type the command:
sudo halt
OR
sudo shutdown -h now

To reboot Ubuntu Linux

Type the command:
sudo reboot

More information can be found about these two commands by typing following commands (man page):
man reboot
man shutdown

Opera: Microsoft's 'minor tweak' of Windows 7 not enough

Computerworld - Opera Software, the Norwegian browser maker that sparked an antitrust investigation into Microsoft business practices in Europe, remains dissatisfied with its rival's move to dump IE8 from Windows 7.

Last week, Microsoft shared a bit of technical information about how it is stripping IE8 from Windows 7 to create the "E" editions for the European Union market.

"The only functional difference is that the Internet Explorer 8 component is not available," said Arik Cohen, a Microsoft program manager in a Q&A on the company's Windows blog. "This is the same component that your users can turn off in the 'Turn Windows features on and off' control panel in the Windows 7 RC build."

All other parts of IE will remain in the E editions, said Cohen, "since they are part of the Windows core."

The "Turn Windows features on and off" feature refers to the kill switch option Microsoft added to Windows 7 in March. Then, Microsoft managers confirmed that the new operating system would offer user settings for disabling, but not deleting, a host of bundled applications, including IE8. "If a feature is deselected, it is not available for use," said Jack Mayo, a program manager on the Windows team. "This means the files (binaries and data) are not loaded by the operating system and not available to users on the computer."

Files are not actually deleted from the PC, however, so users can later reactivate the disabled applications, said Mayo.

Flipping a switch to simply make IE8 unavailable is not enough for Opera, the browser builder that complained to EU regulators in late 2007. Its complaint led the government's antitrust agency to charge Microsoft in January with shielding IE from competition.

"Microsoft's minor technical tweak will not restore browser competition on the desktop," said Hakon Wium Lie, Opera's chief technology officer, in an e-mail today.

Opera has previously expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft's decision to dump IE8 from Windows 7. In June, when Microsoft announced the E editions, Lie was skeptical, even though it was unclear at the time exactly what part of the browser would be removed. "The rendering engine will remain," Lie argued then. "Who knows what Windows Update would do? You could wake up in the morning and see all of IE8 there again."

Microsoft may have felt forced to leave parts of IE within Windows, since some of the OS's functionality, particularly Windows Update, likely depends on those components.

A month ago, Microsoft acknowledged that its unilateral move might not satisfy critics, including EU officials. "Our decision to only offer IE separately from Windows 7 in Europe cannot, of course, preclude the possibility of alternative approaches emerging through Commission processes," Dave Heiner, Microsoft's deputy counsel, said on June 11.

While the EU has not yet ruled -- Microsoft dropped an oral hearing slated for early June because of scheduling conflicts -- but Lie said that as far as Opera is concerned, turning off IE but leaving bits and pieces in Windows 7 isn't enough. "At Opera, we'd like to give users access to more browsers, not fewer," he said.

Opera wants the EU to order Microsoft to insert a ballot screen into Windows; the screen would offer users several browser choices that would then either be activated -- if all were pre-installed on the machine -- or downloaded and installed.

Regulators also have hinted that the ballot screen is its preferred solution. "A potential remedy ... and which would not require Microsoft to provide Windows to end-users without a browser, would be to allow consumers to choose from different web browsers presented to them through a 'ballot screen' in Windows," the European Commission said in a June 12 statement.

Nor has Microsoft publicly disclosed what, if any, incentives it's held out to European computer makers to continue to install IE8 on new PCs. Last month, Mozilla said that that was critical to figuring out whether Windows 7E would level the playing field. "It's impossible to evaluate what [Microsoft's proposal] means unless and until Microsoft describes -- completely and with specificity -- all the incentives and disincentives applicable to Windows OEMs," said John Lilly, Mozilla's CEO. "Without this, it's impossible to tell if Microsoft is giving something with one hand and taking it away with the other."

Microsoft's Cohen also claimed that the "vast majority" of applications work on Windows 7 E, including programs that use Windows' embedded browser components, including Trident, IE's layout engine.

Microsoft: How to install a browser on Windows 7 E

Microsoft has created a guidance page on the Windows 7 part of their website, detailing how users should go about installing a browser on Windows 7 E – the version of Windows that will ship in the UK, that comes without a browser.

Users will be required to install an internet browser from external media, such as a USB pen drive or CD, as there will be no way of browsing the web without one otherwise.

Due to the EU pushing on with its anti-trust case against Microsoft, users buying Windows 7 E will have to find their own browser to use. Whilst users could of course just download their browser of choice, and save it on a pen drive, Microsoft has made Internet Explorer 8 available for order, on disk. The disk costs £3.44, excluding VAT. For many users, this will not be necessary, but Amazon.de is offering the Internet Explorer 8 disk as an extra anyway, for €3.99. Firefox is also available to order, from the Mozilla Store.

Windows N will be the same as Windows 7 E, but without a media player installed by default. Whilst some oppose the decision made by Microsoft (as a response to the EU anti-trust case), others believe it will offer other browsers a chance, such as Firefox and Opera. However, how well this will go down with those who buy Windows 7 E remains to be seen.

Whether or not browsers can be bundled in by computer manufacturers isn't stated on the site, but as it states that media players can be bundled, then it is assumed so. However, for system builders and everyone else, there will be no "browser selection" upon finishing installation, as some speculated. Instead, users will have to go back to basics, and find something to store it on, or, alternatively, order a browser on a disk.
Source : http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/07/15/how-to-install-a-browser-on-windows-7-e

Microsoft: new Vista PCs sold in EU can't upgrade to Windows 7

EU buyers of new PCs before 22 October will definitely not be able to upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows Vista, TechRadar has learned.

Instead these buyers will also be forced to perform a clean install of their OS, losing all their settings and potentially applications and data.

The unfortunate side effect has been caused by Microsoft's decision to avoid any further EU censure on Windows 7 by removing Internet Explorer 8 from the OS. Because Internet Explorer is so deeply integrated within Vista, it's not currently possible to perform an upgrade that removes IE.

The problem will affect all new PCs sold in the EU between now and the launch of Windows 7 on October 22nd. As we learned back in June, the retail version of Windows 7 E (Europe) has the same issue and there will be price concessions on the full version of the OS - at least until the end of the year.

TechRadar has heard from manufacturers (OEMs) who were told of the issue four weeks ago at a meeting with Microsoft. Having a large partner day isn't an unusual occurrence prior to such a release – they will have seen the Windows 7 RTM and will have been generally updated on information.

However, we have spoken to two system integrators who were at the meeting when all were told of the restriction – and that there was anger over the problem. No wonder; it will surely affect sales further during the traditionally poor pre-OS period for new PC purchases. And at a time when sales are down anyway due to the financial crisis.

What happens next?

Some OEMs are trying to provide solutions already with upgrade brochures, but TechRadar has also found that others seem blissfully unaware of the situation.

This is a problem partly of Microsoft's making – the EU actually didn't tell Microsoft to remove IE from Windows, simply to include an option of installing other browsers. Microsoft weren't so keen and took the drastic action of binning IE8, knowing full well that many OEMs will decide to install it anyway to make it easier for their customers.

Any EU appeal process could have delayed the launch of Windows 7 – an unacceptable situation for Microsoft.

So far, Microsoft has not been able to produce an upgrade process which would strip out IE, although a workaround may appear later in the year.

Microsoft may still be able to supply OEMs with Windows 7 discs with IE8 on them if they can gain an exemption to the ruling. That would be on the grounds that OEMs can simply choose to supply an easier upgrade path for their customers by actively choosing to install IE8.

EU approval would be needed for this and it's doubtful it would go through in time for the Windows 7 launch date.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/microsoft-new-vista-pcs-sold-in-eu-can-t-upgrade-to-windows-7-615757

Having Windows as Default choice in Dual boot(Ubuntu & Windows)

When you install a dual-boot of Ubuntu, one of the frustrating things that you’ll immediately notice is that Ubuntu is now set as the default operating system in the Grub loader. There’s an easy way to switch back to using Windows as the default.

To make this change, you’ll first have to boot into Ubuntu, and then run the following command:

#sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst

Find this section of the file:

## default num
# Set the default entry to the entry number NUM. Numbering starts from 0, and
# the entry number 0 is the default if the command is not used.
#
# You can specify ’saved’ instead of a number. In this case, the default entry
# is the entry saved with the command ’savedefault’.
# WARNING: If you are using dmraid do not change this entry to ’saved’ or your
# array will desync and will not let you boot your system.
default 0

The important line is the last one(marked by red color). You will need to change that number 0 to match the Windows boot section. Typically it’s always going to be 6 on a default dual-boot configuration. Change this value to 6, and then save and reboot your machine. You should go into Windows instead of Ubuntu automatically. But if when you have restarted your computer, you see the wrong choice is the default choice, then it is just to count the numbers of the lines up to your favorite choice and then set that number as default :-)

Note: The blocks at the bottom of the file match the items in the menu. You can change this value to match whichever item you want as default, just remember that numbering starts at 0.

How to” Dual boot Ubuntu and Windows 7 (Ubuntu installed first)

I found this on Ubuntu Forums and found it very cool way to have dual operating system(Windows & Linux) beside eachother. Although this one is written for Windows7 but it works with Vista and XP. If you have Windows installed on your pc, you do not need to go through these troubles. The reason is that while you are installing Linux, Grub automaticly detects that you have one operating system already on your system and you are going to have one Linux beside it, and the result is that it will give you a list of operating systems to choose on each booting of your computer. But when you have Linux installed and suddenly you want to have Windows beside it as well, there would come troubles as Microsoft does not care about your wishes to have two operating systems beside each other(as Linux does). So you have to move it a little bit and do things manually as it is written in this very useful tutorial. I hope you find it useful as well.

Original tutorial :

I have recently seen many posts from people trying to dual boot Ubuntu and Windows 7 beta, but not succeeding. So I tried it out myself and found a solution.
Index
1. Obtain a copy of Windows7.
2. Partition your disk with gparted.
3. Install Windows7.
4. Re-install Grub.
5. Edit Grub to List Windows 7.
6. Have Fun.
__________________________________________________ ________________________________

1. Obtain a copy of windows 7.

Official Microsoft Link - http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...FRE_EN_DVD.iso

*This Link Is Now DEAD Go to the Microsoft website and get your own download. Requires java*

*You can also find a torrent of this but for legal reasons I cannot provide a link. *


2. Partition your disk

**This does go wrong in some cases, if in doubt back up your valuable data.**

Boot from a Ubuntu live cd or a gparted live cd.
Start up gparted, If ubuntu is on the whole disk you need to re-size it by at least 8 gb for Windows 7. (Make sure windows 7 is on the second partition to make it easier for grub) You will be left with some unallocated space on your hard disk if you want you can partition it to NTFS or you can do it later on the windows install.

3. Install Windows 7

Follow the on screen instructions, Select the un-partitioned space to format and install windows on, or if you already made it NTFS choose your NTFS partition.

**It will ask for a product key but you have 30 days to do that. Note: Beta keys will work with the RC**


4. Re-install GRUB

Now you have windows 7 but it has completely eaten your boot loader so you need to re-install grub.
Boot from the Ubuntu live CD and go to terminal.
Type in terminal:

"sudo grub"
"grub> find /boot/grub/stage1"

That should return your Ubuntu partition in the form of (hdX,Y), use that:

grub> root (hdX,Y)
grub> setup (hd0)
grub> quit

(you don’t need to type the grub> bit)

That has re-installed grub but you can no longer see windows7

5. Edit grub.
Go to terminal from normal ubuntu and type :

“sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst”

A large text file will open and at the bottom leave a line and add this:

title windows 7 beta (Loader)
root (hd0,1)
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader +1

(Do not type this line but if that does not work on re-boot try “hdo,0 or hd0,2” and so on until it works.)

Now that is done you can re-boot into windows 7 and ubuntu happily

******************Edit***********************
Hi
I have remembered that if you also have vista installed on your machine when you in install 7, that windows 7 will add itself to the vista bootloader.

So You will need to point grub to the vista partition so it will load the vista loader and give you the option for 7 and vista.

Also To work out what partition number your 7 partiton is use gparted it will give you results like "Windows 7 sda2" that means hda0,2 or if you have two internal hard drives than change the tab in the top right to the appropriate disk. Then take note of the sda2 but as it is on the 2nd drive it will be hda1,2. And so on..........

Source

Adding startup applications at Ubuntu

Add programs to Ubuntu startup, well pretty easy, just click on System, Preferences, Start up applications and your loving program that you want it to be run every single time you turn on your computer there :-)

Intel collaborated with Google on Chrome OS

Chip giant Intel told TG Daily today that it was in cahoots with Google on the Chrome OS project.

A representative confirmed this to us this morning.

He said: "We have been privy to the project for some time and we have worked with Google on a variety of projects, including this one. We welcome Google's move here."

The statement is likely to throw Microsoft into total panic. Intel and Microsoft were always "friends", but some have speculated they've always been enemies.

Intel put its weight behind a light weight operating system for netbooks, based on a Linux kernel, and called Moblin. Some had speculated that the Google move would throw Intel, as well as Microsoft, into disarray.

It seems not.

Now Intel has put its cards on the table, and it must be up to Microsoft to respond to the direct challenge.

Microsoft was unavailable for comment at press time. And could not be contacted for comment.

source

Google Apps is out of beta (yes, really)

We're often asked why so many Google applications seem to be perpetually in beta. For example, Gmail has worn the beta tag more than five years. We realize this situation puzzles some people, particularly those who subscribe to the traditional definition of "beta" software as not being yet ready for prime time.

Ever since we launched the Google Apps suite for businesses two years ago, it's had a service level agreement, 24/7 support, and has met or exceeded all the other standards of non-beta software. More than 1.75 million companies around the world run their business on Google Apps, including Google. We've come to appreciate that the beta tag just doesn't fit for large enterprises that aren't keen to run their business on software that sounds like it's still in the trial phase. So we've focused our efforts on reaching our high bar for taking products out of beta, and all the applications in the Apps suite have now met that mark.

Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs and Google Talk — both enterprise and consumer versions — are now out of beta. "Beta" will be removed from the product logos today, but we'll continue to innovate and improve upon the applications whether or not there's a small "beta" beneath the logo. Indeed, today we're also announcing some other Google Apps features that we think will appeal to large enterprises: mail delegation, mail retention and ongoing enhancements to Apps reliability.

We have much more in store, and IT managers can read more about how to make the switch to Apps in our Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes resource centers. One more thing — for those who still like the look of "beta", we've made it easy to re-enable the beta label for Gmail from the Labs tab under Settings.

Google: Chrome OS will be free, with major PC vendors on board

In a follow-up post this afternoon, Google confirmed that its upcoming Chrome OS will be available free of charge. The company also listed some of the partners it has lined up to work with the new operating system -- including some well-known PC vendors.

The details further illustrate the potential for the new Google operating system to alter the competitive landscape for Microsoft Windows. Google said Acer, Adobe, ASUS, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments are among the early partners.

Google had previously hinted that Chrome OS would be available for free, and even before the confirmation this afternoon, that's what analysts were assuming. The idea isn't to make money off the operating system, but rather to help Google improve the Internet experience and deliver targeted ads, said analyst Mark Mahaney, a director at Citi Investment Research, in a note to clients earlier today:

"We neither expect the Chrome OS to generate material revenue near-term, nor do we expect Google's Chrome OS investments to materially impact its current cost structure. We wouldn't be surprised if Google gave the Chrome OS to OEMs for free, as they currently do with Android and their mobile partners. To be successful in selling an OS to full-powered PCs, Google would potentially need many large OEM partners, as well as a robust after-market support and services network, which would take significant manpower, $'s and possibly years to build out, in our opinion. This doesn't seem like Google's playbook."

Microsoft isn't commenting on the Google announcement. Google says Chrome OS will initially be targeted at netbooks when it debuts next year, but there's nothing to stop it from spreading to all sorts of computers. At the very least, the introduction of a high-profile, alternative operating system promises to give new Windows president Steven Sinofsky a major new competitor to wrestle with.